Robotic Walker 3D Camera Gait Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assistive tools for mobility-challenged individuals, such as walkers and wheelchairs, disrupt the user's walking rhythm, increase metabolic energy consumption, and accelerate musculoskeletal degeneration by limiting lower limb muscle activity.
Innovation Solution
A motorized robotic walker equipped with a 3D camera for non-contact measurement and a processor-controlled wheel system that maintains a constant position relative to the user, allowing for powered assistance without wearable sensors, using inverse kinematic calculations and motor-control PWM signals to adjust wheel rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If passive walker/rollator is used to provide support, then user support is improved, but user energy consumption increases and walking rhythm is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical support system with an active motorized robotic system that uses sensors, processors, and motors to dynamically adjust support forces, thereby reducing the metabolic energy users must expend while maintaining or improving support quality
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic walker autonomously monitors user gait parameters through embedded sensors and automatically adjusts its support forces without user intervention, enabling the system to adapt to changing user needs and maintain optimal support while minimizing user energy expenditure
2Ease of operation
If powered wheelchair is used for transportation, then user mobility is improved, but lower limb muscle activity is precluded and musculoskeletal degeneration accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic walker dynamically adjusts its support level based on real-time gait analysis, providing assistance only when and where needed rather than complete support, thereby maintaining user engagement with lower limb muscle activity while improving mobility
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors and responds to changes in gait parameters, adjusting support forces accordingly to maintain optimal levels of user engagement with the walking process while preventing excessive strain or complete disengagement that would lead to muscle atrophy
3Measurement precision
If wearable sensors are used for user measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the robotic walker's frame and structure as an intermediary platform to mount sensors that measure user gait parameters, eliminating the need for separate wearable sensor packages on the user's body while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the measurement function with the structural components of the robotic walker, integrating sensors into the frame and handlebars rather than requiring separate wearable devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement capabilities
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The robotic walker provides safe and convenient walking assistance, reducing energy consumption and musculoskeletal degeneration risks by maintaining a stable user-robot distance and orientation, with accurate position and orientation tracking and sway suppression.
Implementation Method 1
a 3D camera mounted on a portion of the frame, the camera capable of capture three-dimensional orientation and position information about the user
Data Source
AI summary
A motorized robotic walker is capable of moving automatically with the user through an algorithmic process using a 3D camera image processing system. The image processing system can measure relative motion of the user versus the robotic walker and a microprocessor can generate PWM signal to drive motors of the robotic walker so that the robotic walker can follow the user's motion automatically and provide assistance if needed.