Upper Arm Assist Module Linkage for Wire-Free Torque Profiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable muscular strength assisting apparatuses face issues with durability, assemblability, and noise due to the combination of cams and wires, which cause friction and sliding, leading to torque profile deterioration.
Innovation Solution
An upper arm module design using a base part, an upper arm part, and elastic bodies with connecting links that generate torque without wires, allowing for a torque profile that varies based on the angle of the upper arm part, improving durability and assemblability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cam and wire combination is used to form a torque profile, then the required torque profile can be achieved, but durability deteriorates due to friction and sliding between components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the wire component from the cam-and-wire mechanism, extracting the problematic sliding interface. The torque profile is achieved through a cam mechanism that directly actuates a linkages system, eliminating wire friction and sliding wear while maintaining the required torque characteristics throughout the range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the cam-and-wire mechanical system with a cam-and-linkages system. The cam profile is converted into direct mechanical actuation through rigid linkages and pivots, substituting the flexible wire transmission with a more durable rigid mechanical connection that eliminates friction-based torque loss and improves reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If a cam and wire combination is used to form a torque profile, then the required torque profile can be achieved, but assemblability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the wire component from the assembly, simplifying the manufacturing process. The cam mechanism directly connects to the linkages system through standardized mechanical interfaces, eliminating the need for wire routing, securing, and tensioning operations that complicate assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cam mechanism with the linkages system through direct mechanical integration. The cam profile is combined with rigid linkages and pivots to form a unified assembly that can be manufactured and assembled as a single functional unit, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall assembly process.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a cam and wire combination is used to form a torque profile, then the required torque profile can be achieved, but noise increases due to friction and sliding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the wire component that generates friction-based noise. The cam-and-linkages system uses rigid mechanical connections and pivots that operate with minimal friction, significantly reducing operational noise while improving the reliability of torque transmission throughout the range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the cam-and-wire system with a cam-and-linkages system that eliminates wire friction. The rigid linkages and pivots provide smoother, quieter torque transmission by substituting flexible wire friction with rigid mechanical contact that generates minimal noise and improves operational reliability.
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 design enhances durability and ease of assembly by eliminating wires and cams, providing a torque profile that supports the wearer's upper arm effectively, compensating for gravity and maintaining optimal torque application throughout the range of motion.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body having a first end thereof fixedly coupled to the upper arm part at a position spaced apart from the first end of the upper arm part in an extension direction of the upper arm part, and the elastic body may generate an elastic force by deformation
Data Source
AI summary
An upper arm module of a wearable muscular strength assisting apparatus is provided. The upper arm module includes a base part configured to be connected to a wearer's body, and an upper arm part having a first end thereof coupled to the base part to be rotatable about a fixed point. The upper arm part is coupled to the wearer's upper arm to apply a torque thereto. The upper arm module further includes an elastic body having a first end thereof fixedly coupled to the upper arm part and generating an elastic force by deformation. In particular, the upper arm module also includes a first link having a first end thereof rotatably coupled to the base part at a point of application, and a second link rotatably coupled to the second end of the first link at a first point.