Strength Assist Device With Cable-Coupled Torque and Body-Size Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strength assist devices fail to adjust their size according to the user's body size and shape, leading to discomfort during activities due to independently operating structures.
Innovation Solution
A strength assist device with a base frame, rotating bodies, actuators, and a cable system that allows for adjustable size and synchronized motion of rotating bodies via a tensioned cable, reducing uncomfortable feelings by adjusting torque generation based on user activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the two torque-generating structures are provided independently to allow independent operation, then the device can accommodate different body types, but the user feels uncomfortable during walking due to unsynchronized operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent connects the two independent torque-generating structures through a cable mechanism that couples their rotational motions. This merging ensures that when one structure rotates, the other rotates accordingly, maintaining synchronized operation that reduces user discomfort during walking while still allowing adjustment for different body types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adjustable components including a movable base frame and adjustable arms that can be repositioned according to the user's body type. The cable connection dynamically adapts to the rotational movements of the rotating bodies, maintaining proper tension and synchronization throughout the range of motion.
2Device complexity
If the device size is fixed to accommodate standard body types, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot adjust to different user body sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable base frame that can be adjusted in position, and adjustable arms that can be repositioned along the rotating bodies. These dynamic adjustment mechanisms allow the device to adapt to different user body sizes and shapes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that does not require complete redesign for each body type.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into modular components including a base frame, adjustable arms, rotating bodies, and a cable connection system. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted or repositioned to accommodate different body types without affecting the entire device structure.
3Ease of operation
If the cable connects the two rotating bodies to restrict rotational motion, then synchronized operation is achieved, but the cable must withstand significant tension forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pulleys as intermediary elements in the cable system. The pulleys redirect the cable tension forces and work in conjunction with the rotating bodies to achieve synchronized rotation. The pulleys help distribute and manage the tension forces, reducing the direct load on the cable while maintaining the coupling between the two rotating structures.
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 effectively reduces user discomfort by adjusting its size and torque generation to match the user's body type, enhancing comfort during walking and tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a cable connecting the first rotating body to the second rotating body, wherein a rotational motion of the first rotating body with respect to the base frame and a rotational motion of the second rotating body with respect to the base frame may be restricted against each other by a tension of the cable
Implementation Method 2
A strength assist device designed to assist users' (pedestrians' or operators') activities or tasks may reduce a load applied to part of the user's body such as the waist during the activities or tasks by generating a torque by elasticity in the vicinity of a rotatable joint such as the hip joint
Data Source
AI summary
A strength assist device includes: a base frame; a plurality of rotating bodies provided on left and right sides of the base frame, and rotatably connected to the base frame; a plurality of actuators rotatably connected to the respective rotating bodies, and forming respective restoring torques according to rotation angles with respect to the rotating bodies; and a cable connecting the rotating bodies. In particular, rotational motions of the rotating bodies with respect to the base frame are restricted against each other by a tension of the cable.