Tendon Force-Impulse Mechanism for Transparent Treadmill Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tendon systems face challenges in maintaining optimal tension and transparency of interaction with the user during the application of assistive or resistive forces or force impulses, as they often transmit unwanted dynamic properties like friction and inertia to the user, especially when body segments move at higher velocities.

Innovation Solution

A mechanism that mechanically separates the tendon from the source of force during intervals between applications, using an elastic element with weak stiffness to maintain tension and a winding reel to clamp and unwind the tendon, minimizing the transfer of mechanical drive components' properties to the user.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the tendon remains continuously connected to the source of force, then the tendon tension is maintained, but the unwanted dynamic properties (friction, inertia) are transmitted to the user during intervals between force applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetendon tension maintenanceVSAvoidtransmission of friction and inertia to user

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous connection between tendon and source of force is segmented into discrete connection and disconnection phases. The tendon is mechanically separated from the source of force during intervals between force applications, allowing tension maintenance through elastic elements while eliminating transmission of unwanted dynamic properties like friction and inertia to the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An elastic element is introduced as an intermediary between the tendon and the fixed point, allowing the tendon to maintain tension through elastic storage while being mechanically separated from the active source of force. This intermediary enables force transmission when needed while blocking unwanted dynamic properties during intervals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the tendon is mechanically separated from the source of force during intervals, then the transparency of interaction is improved, but the tendon may become loose before force application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransparency of interactionVSAvoidtendon tautness before force application

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An elastic element is pre-connected to the distal end of the tendon before mechanical separation from the source of force. This elastic element acts as a cushion that maintains tendon tension and prevents loosening during the interval when the tendon is mechanically separated, ensuring the tendon is ready for immediate force application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If a servo-motor drive with complex control is used to maintain tendon tension, then the tendon remains taut, but the device complexity increases and transparency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetendon tautnessVSAvoidcontrol scheme complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic element connected to the distal end of the tendon provides automatic tension maintenance through its elastic properties, eliminating the need for complex servo-motor control schemes. The system self-regulates tendon tension through the elastic storage and release mechanism, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach enhances the transparency of interaction between the user and the tendon system by reducing the impact of static and dynamic properties, ensuring minimal force transmission and improved tendon tension without complex control schemes.

Implementation Method 1

using an elastic element with weak stiffness to maintain tension

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250303216A1Mechanism and method for performing force impulses in tendon systems

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 MEDICA MEDIZINTECHNIK GMBH

AI summary

A mechanism and method for the implementation of assistive or resistive forces or force impulses in tendon systems during walking on a treadmill, which enables the implementation of the established method of training the maintenance of dynamic balance during standing or walking. The mechanism includes a source of rotary mechanical energy, which is mechanically connected to the mechanical axis via an axial coupling. The mechanical axis is supported in two places by bearings, and on the mechanical axis, a winding reel is attached in a fixed manner through the central roller, and in which between the sides of the winding reel eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation of the reel, a tensioning cylinder is installed in a fixed manner. The central roller and the tension roller of the winding reel are concentrically embraced by the cylinders, each of which can rotate freely around its own roller.