Walk-Assistive Apparatus Spring Length Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walk-assistive apparatuses do not effectively compensate for the weight of users, particularly when walking in various directions, which can lead to inefficient energy consumption and reduced assistance during movement.
Innovation Solution
A walk-assistive apparatus with a joint system that includes a spring mechanism, where a processor controls the length of a spring to compensate for the user's weight by adjusting the position of a spring holder using a worm gear, ensuring that the apparatus maintains optimal assistance across different walking directions without requiring additional torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring mechanism is used to compensate for user weight, then weight compensation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is integrated within the existing joint structure of the walk-assistive apparatus. The spring is mounted in the link or joint, nesting the weight compensation function within the structural framework already present, thereby improving weight compensation effectiveness without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is combined with the joint system that corresponds to human joints. By merging the weight compensation function with the existing joint structure, the patent achieves effective weight compensation while utilizing shared components and control mechanisms, reducing the need for separate independent systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If the spring length is dynamically adjusted to maintain optimal assistance, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring length is made dynamically adjustable through a processor-controlled mechanism. The processor determines the optimal spring length based on walking direction and adjusts the spring holder position accordingly, enabling the system to adapt to various walking directions while using a relatively simple adjustment mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback control where the processor monitors walking direction and adjusts the spring length to maintain optimal assistance. This closed-loop control enables high adaptability to different walking conditions while using straightforward sensing and actuation components
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 efficient weight compensation and reduced energy consumption by using a spring mechanism to adjust the spring length, ensuring effective assistance during walking in various directions, thereby enhancing user mobility.
Implementation Method 1
a spring that is mounted in the link or the joint so that a length of the spring is changed in accordance with rotation of the link or the joint
Implementation Method 2
a spring that is mounted in the link or the joint so that a length of the spring is changed in accordance with rotation of the link or the joint
Implementation Method 3
a worm gear, wherein the processor controls the movement of the spring holder by driving the worm gear
Implementation Method 4
a processor that controls the change in the length of the spring to compensate for a weight by gravity when the wearer walks
Data Source
AI summary
A walk-assistive apparatus may include at least one joint that corresponds to at least one joint of a wearer, at least one link that connects the joint, and is rotated in response to rotation of the joint, a spring that is mounted in the link or the joint so that a length of the spring is changed in accordance with rotation of the link or the joint, and a processor that controls the change in the length of the spring to compensate for a weight by gravity when the wearer walks. Accordingly, the walk-assistive apparatus and a method of controlling the walk-assistive apparatus may use a mechanical element such as a spring to reduce energy, and weight compensation having uniform performance may be performed even in an arbitrary posture.