Waist Assist Spring-Link Mechanism for Variable Torque Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for assisting waist muscle strength face challenges in providing optimized torque profiles and suffer from torsional loads, which affect durability and user comfort.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes an upper frame, a lower frame, and a force generating unit with springs and link parts that adjust torque profiles based on user posture, minimizing torsional loads through a system of rotating frames and springs with varying elastic moduli.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a torque generating device is mounted at two opposite sides of the hip joints to generate torque for assisting muscular strength, then the apparatus can provide force assistance, but torsional load is generated when the point of application of force by the upper body, lower body, and torque generating device are not on the same plane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a force generating unit with a spring mechanism as an intermediary between the upper and lower frames. The spring acts as a mediator that can accommodate misalignment and generate the required force without transmitting harmful torsional loads to the structural components, thus resolving the contradiction between providing torque assistance and avoiding torsional stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a spring-based force generating unit that can dynamically adjust its mechanical properties based on the relative position and motion between the upper and lower frames. This allows the system to adapt to varying operational conditions and maintain optimal force generation while minimizing torsional loads through elastic deformation rather than rigid constraint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus provides various types of torque profiles according to user posture, then optimized muscular strength assistance is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a dynamic spring mechanism where the force generating unit's characteristics change automatically based on the relative motion and position between the upper and lower frames. This passive dynamic adaptation allows the system to provide different torque profiles for various postures without requiring complex active control systems, sensors, or multiple interchangeable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-based force generating unit automatically adjusts its mechanical response based on the user's movement and posture without requiring external control or power input. The system self-regulates the torque output through the inherent elastic properties of the spring and the kinematic relationship between the frames, achieving adaptability while maintaining simple structure.
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 apparatus provides improved wearing comfort and durability by generating variable torque profiles, reducing torsional loads, and effectively assisting waist muscle strength during user movements.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring accommodated in the frame member
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus for assisting muscular strength, including an upper frame; a lower frame configured to be rotatable relative to the upper frame; and a force generating unit configured to provide the lower frame with a force applied in a second rotational direction D2 opposite to a first rotational direction D1 when the lower frame rotates in the first rotational direction D1 relative to the upper frame. The force generating unit includes a frame member configured to define a body of the force generating unit; a first spring accommodated in the frame member; a pressing part disposed at one side of the first spring and configured to press the first spring; and a link part disposed at the other side of the first spring and configured to press the first spring and move in conjunction with a relative rotational motion between the upper frame and the lower frame.