Segmented Thigh Frame for Adaptive Walking Assistance Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking assistance devices fail to adequately fit the diverse thigh shapes of users, leading to discomfort and reduced wearability, particularly for individuals with varying thigh sizes.
Innovation Solution
A walking assistance device with a deformable motion frame that adjusts to the user's thigh shape through a series of segment frames and elastic bodies, allowing for adjustable angles and distances between frames, and optionally using magnets for enhanced fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed rigid frame structure is used in walking assistance devices, then manufacturing precision and structural stability are improved, but adaptability to diverse thigh shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The motion frame is divided into multiple segment frames (first segment frame, second segment frame, third segment frame, fourth segment frame) that can rotate relative to each other. This segmentation allows each segment to independently adjust its angle, enabling the overall frame to adapt to diverse thigh shapes while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized connection structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure transitions from a fixed rigid configuration to a dynamic adjustable configuration. The segment frames are connected through rotation axes, allowing the frame to change its geometry dynamically based on the user's thigh shape. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability without sacrificing structural stability during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the motion frame is made deformable to fit thigh shapes, then adaptability and wearability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable motion frame is segmented into multiple standardized segment frames connected by rotation axes. This segmentation approach manages complexity by breaking down the deformation function into discrete, manageable units. Each segment follows a similar structural pattern, making the overall system more predictable and easier to manufacture despite the increased number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The segment frames and connection structures are designed with universal characteristics that allow them to perform multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling shape adaptation, and facilitating easy assembly/disassembly. The rotation axes and connection structures serve both structural and adjustment functions, reducing the need for separate specialized components and thereby managing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If multiple segment frames are used to adjust to thigh shape, then wearability is improved, but power transmission efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The segment frames are designed to rotate smoothly around rotation axes, creating a dynamic system that adapts to thigh shape while maintaining efficient power transmission. The rotational connections are engineered to minimize friction and energy loss, allowing the actuator's power to be effectively transmitted to the lower thigh frame despite the presence of multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation axes and elastic bodies serve as intermediary elements between the segment frames. These intermediaries facilitate smooth relative movement while maintaining structural integrity and power transmission. The elastic bodies specifically act as mediators that absorb minor misalignments and reduce energy loss at the joints, ensuring that the deformable structure does not compromise power transmission efficiency.
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 device provides improved wearability by closely fitting users with both thin and thick thighs, enhancing comfort and effectiveness by maintaining power transmission and reducing frame deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a motion frame connected to the upper thigh frame, the motion frame including a plurality of segment frames configured to rotate relative to each other based on a shape of a thigh of the user
Implementation Method 2
optionally using magnets for enhanced fitting
Data Source
AI summary
A walking assistance device deformable based on a thigh shape includes a hip joint actuator, an upper thigh frame connected to the hip joint actuator and configured to receive power from the hip joint actuator and rotate about a first axis and rotate about a second axis intersecting the first axis, a motion frame connected to the upper thigh frame, the motion frame including a plurality of segment frames configured to rotate relative to each other, and a lower thigh frame connected to the motion frame.