Support Mechanism for Posture Transition in Mobile Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing posture-variable standing mobile apparatuses with complex configurations struggle to efficiently support users with impaired lower limb motor function for quick posture transitions, and conventional wheelchairs lack a built-in support mechanism for posture transformation, requiring caregiver assistance for tasks like toilet use.
Innovation Solution
A simplified support mechanism using a first link and a rotatably connected second link driven by an actuator, which adjusts the support moment based on the relative positional relationship between the knee joint and upper body centroid, enabling efficient posture transitions without external power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual actuators independently drive the first and second pivoting members to support ankle and knee joints, then the lower limbs can be supported with comprehensive joint control, but the configuration becomes complex and the posture transition speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the first and second pivoting members into a single integrated pivoting member that supports both the ankle and knee joints. This merging of previously separate components into one unified structure reduces the overall complexity of the mechanism while maintaining the capability to support both joints, directly resolving the contradiction between comprehensive joint control and complex configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pivoting member is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both the ankle joint and knee joint simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows one component to replace what previously required two separate actuators and pivoting members, thereby simplifying the system configuration while preserving reliable joint support.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the body parts around the hips are fixed to support posture stability, then the lower limbs can be properly supported, but the user cannot independently lower down and raise up clothes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a fixed hip support structure to a dynamic pivoting member that can rotate between different angular positions. This dynamic design allows the support mechanism to adapt its configuration - providing stable support during posture transitions while permitting greater freedom of movement when the user needs to adjust clothing, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and operational ease.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wheelchair with an opening seat surface is provided for elimination, then the seat surface can be opened for toilet use, but no support mechanism is provided to transform posture between sitting and standing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the elimination function with the posture transformation function by integrating the pivoting member mechanism into the wheelchair structure. This combination allows the same mechanical system to both open the seat surface for toilet access and simultaneously provide the force needed to transform the user's posture between sitting and standing positions, eliminating the need for separate caregiver assistance.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mechanisms are provided to support both sitting and standing positions, then comprehensive posture support is achieved, but the configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting member is designed as a universal component that can support multiple posture configurations - both sitting and standing positions - through its rotational capability. This single multi-functional mechanism replaces what would otherwise require separate dedicated mechanisms for each posture type, thereby achieving comprehensive posture support while maintaining configuration simplicity.
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 solution allows users with limited lower limb motor function to quickly and efficiently transition between sitting and standing positions, and supports independent toilet use by minimizing body constraints around the hips, reducing the need for caregiver assistance.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator configured to rotate the second link with respect to the first link, in which, when a load on a connection part of the second link and the first link changes due to a change in an upper body posture of a user based on a relative positional relationship between an ankle joint and a knee joint of a user in a direction orthogonal to a vertical direction in a sagittal plane of the user, the actuator drives the second link while changing a support moment on the user according to a relative positional relationship between the knee joint and an upper body centroid, or a knee joint angle
Implementation Method 2
a second link that is rotatably connected to the first link
Data Source
AI summary
It is possible to quickly and efficiently support a user with a limited lower limb motor function in a posture transition with a simplified configuration. A support mechanism that supports a posture transition includes a first link that does not change a posture, a second link that is rotatably coupled to the first link, and an actuator configured to rotate the second link with respect to the first link, in which, when a load on a connection part of the second link and the first link changes due to a change in an upper body posture of a user, based on a relative positional relationship between an ankle joint and a knee joint of the user in a direction orthogonal to a vertical direction in a sagittal plane of the user, the actuator drives the second link while changing a support moment on the user according to a relative positional relationship between the knee joint and an upper body centroid of the user, or a knee joint angle.