Shoe Assembly Side Plate Force Distribution for Walking Assist Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking assist devices often cause users to sway, leading to unstable shoe-ground contact, which can result in tripping or falling due to uneven force distribution and tilting of the shoe assembly during use.
Innovation Solution
A shoe assembly with a side plate and sole cover design that includes a force transmission mechanism, where the side plate is connected to the ankle joint and features a ridge and recessed portions to distribute forces uniformly across the sole, preventing tilting and ensuring stable ground contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional shoe assembly is used in a walking assist device, then the device can provide basic support and mobility assistance, but the shoe assembly becomes unstable during walking due to user sway, causing uneven force distribution and potential tripping or falling
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe assembly incorporates a preliminary anti-action mechanism by designing the sole plate with a specific structure that anticipates and counteracts the user's sway before it causes instability. The side plates and force transmission mechanism are pre-configured to generate counterbalancing forces that prevent the shoe from tilting during user movement, thereby maintaining stable ground contact despite user sway.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoe assembly employs dynamic elements including the force transmission mechanism with springs and dampers that adapt to real-time user movement. The system dynamically adjusts force distribution through the sole plate based on detected sway, allowing the shoe to maintain stability during walking by continuously responding to changes in user posture and ground reactions.
2Reliability
If the shoe assembly is designed to be simple and lightweight, then ease of manufacture and wearability are improved, but the ability to distribute forces uniformly and prevent tilting is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: side plates, sole plate, force transmission mechanism, and ground reaction force members. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve uniform force distribution. The modular structure also facilitates easier manufacturing and assembly despite the overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The force transmission mechanism acts as an intermediary between the ground reaction force members and the sole plate. It includes springs and dampers that mediate the transmission of forces, distributing them uniformly across the sole plate while isolating the upper structure from direct impact forces. This intermediary mechanism achieves uniform force distribution without requiring an overly complex overall structure.
3Reliability
If the shoe assembly uses a rigid structure to prevent tilting, then stability is improved, but the comfort and adaptability to user movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe assembly utilizes parameter changes through its force transmission mechanism, which includes springs and dampers that can adjust their mechanical properties based on loading conditions. The system changes its stiffness and damping parameters dynamically to resist tilting forces while accommodating user movement, achieving both stability and adaptability through parameter variation rather than rigid structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoe assembly employs composite structural elements combining rigid and flexible components. The side plates and sole plate provide rigid structural support to prevent tilting, while the force transmission mechanism uses elastic materials and damping elements to provide flexibility and adaptability. This composite approach allows the structure to maintain stability while adapting to user movement patterns.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
The present invention discloses a shoe assembly for a walking assist device. The shoe assembly includes a shoe pad, and a shoe cover on the shoe pad. The shoe cover includes a recessed portion to accommodate a first portion of a side plate connected between the shoe cover and a shank stand of the walking assist device, and includes a support plate on the shoe pad to fulcrum a second portion of the side plate. The second portion covers the recessed portion while the first portion is held in the recessed portion.