Prosthetic Digit Motor Control for Low-Energy State Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor-driven prosthetic hands face challenges in balancing speed and energy consumption, with electric motors introducing undesirable electrical noise and consuming significant energy, particularly during transitions between idle and non-idle states.
Innovation Solution
Implementing acceleration and deceleration profiles for motor control in prosthetic hands to reduce energy consumption and mechanical noise by systematically changing the motor's duty cycle during state transitions, using controllers to manage motor operations based on sensor feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If electric motors are used to drive prosthetic digits, then movement capability and speed are improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic acceleration and deceleration profiles that adjust motor speed systematically during state transitions. The motor operates at variable speeds rather than abrupt transitions, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining required movement capability. The controller dynamically adjusts duty cycle based on current operational state, reducing energy waste during transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes motor operating parameters (duty cycle, acceleration rate, deceleration rate) based on operational context. By systematically varying these parameters during transitions between idle and non-idle states, the system reduces peak energy consumption while maintaining acceptable performance. The controller modifies motor parameters adaptively to balance speed and energy efficiency.
2Reliability
If electric motors operate during state transitions, then responsiveness is improved, but electrical noise and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic transition profiles that adjust motor activation characteristics based on operational needs. During state transitions, the motor is activated with controlled acceleration and deceleration rates that minimize electrical noise generation while maintaining system responsiveness. The controller dynamically adjusts activation parameters to balance responsiveness with noise reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the controller monitors motor state and adjusts activation characteristics accordingly. Based on feedback about current operational state and transition requirements, the controller optimizes motor activation to minimize electrical noise while maintaining responsiveness. The system adapts its behavior based on real-time conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Routines and methods disclosed herein can increase a power efficiency of a prosthetic hand without drastically reducing the speed at which it operates. A prosthesis can implement an acceleration profile, which can reduce an energy consumption of a motor, or an amount of electrical and/or mechanical noise produced by a motor, as the motor as the motor transitions from an idle state to a non-idle state. A prosthesis can implement a deceleration profile, which can reduce the energy consumption of the motor, or an amount of electrical and/or mechanical noise produced by a motor, as the motor transitions from a non-idle state to an idle state.