Torso Support Actuator for Stand-Assist Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional assistive devices for disabled or impaired individuals, such as sit-to-stand lifts, do not provide individually adapted assistance with optimal comfort and security, as they fail to accommodate varying sizes and levels of impairment effectively, leading to high loads on the user's back and shoulders.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a base, footplate, actuator arrangement, and torso support that allows independent vertical and horizontal movement, equipped with sensors and a processor to monitor load and provide feedback, enabling customizable movement profiles and user participation feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional lifts use a pivoting lifting arm with belt, strap or sling positioned around the patient's back, then the lifting function is achieved, but the centre of gravity is positioned well behind the footplate/knee support leading to high load on back and shoulders
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting function is divided into two independent actuator arrangements: one for vertical movement and one for horizontal movement. This segmentation allows the torso support to be positioned correctly relative to the user's centre of gravity, eliminating the harmful backward positioning that causes high load on back and shoulders.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator arrangements are configured to move the torso support independently in vertical and horizontal directions, allowing dynamic adjustment of the torso support position. This enables the system to adapt to different users and positioning requirements, ensuring optimal alignment with the centre of gravity during the lifting process.
2Device complexity
If conventional apparatuses use fixed positioning and single-axis movement, then the structure is simple, but they do not provide individually adapted assistance for different sizes and levels of impairment
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses two independent actuator arrangements that can move the torso support vertically and horizontally, creating a dynamic positioning system. This allows the apparatus to adapt to different user sizes, impairment levels, and positioning requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure based on a base with supported components.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual actuator system provides multi-functionality by enabling both vertical lifting and horizontal positioning adjustments. This universal design allows the same apparatus to serve multiple users with different needs and to perform various positioning tasks, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Productivity
If the torso support moves simultaneously forward and upward in a fixed path, then the lifting action is achieved, but the movement cannot be customized for different users or impairment levels
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting action is segmented into independent vertical and horizontal movement components controlled by separate actuator arrangements. This allows the movement profiles to be customized by adjusting each component independently, enabling tailored assistance for different users and impairment levels while maintaining efficient lifting action.
Solution Approach 2:
The independent actuator arrangements enable dynamic control of movement profiles, allowing customization of vertical and horizontal movement sequences. The system can adapt the movement pattern to match individual user needs, impairment levels, and comfort requirements while preserving the efficiency of the lifting action.
4Adaptability or versatility
If sensors and processors are added to monitor load and provide feedback, then individually tailored assistance is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are integrated to monitor load on the torso support and footplate, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback enables the processor to adjust the movement profiles and provide individually tailored assistance. The feedback mechanism is implemented in a straightforward manner, adding adaptability while keeping the control system architecture relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and procedure for disabled, impaired or handicapped persons in reaching or maintaining a standing or partially standing position. The apparatus includes a knee support and a movable torso support that is connected to an actuator arrangement. The actuator arrangement moves the torso support in a vertical range of positions independently of the horizontal position of the torso support and in a horizontal range of positions independently of the vertical position of the torso support. The user engages the torso support during the raising movement during which the torso support moves simultaneously forward and upward until he is substantially standing whilst leaning forward over the torso support (and vice versa for the lowering procedure). The torso support can also be rotated, independently of the vertical and horizontal position of the torso support. The apparatus is provided with a load sensing system monitoring self-participation of the user.