Walk Training Apparatus Tensile Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walk training apparatuses increase the walk load on users due to the weight of the assistive devices, particularly affecting individuals with conditions like hemiparesis after a stroke, as they struggle to lift the affected leg with the added weight.
Innovation Solution
A walk training apparatus with first and second tensile portions that independently control the vertical and horizontal components of the tensile forces to assist the user's leg, reducing the overall walk load by counteracting the weight of the assistive device and guiding the leg's movement to minimize internal and external rotations, allowing for natural gait recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a walking assist device is attached to the user's leg to assist walking, then the user receives walking assistance, but the walk load increases due to the weight of the assistive device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principle by using springs and elastic elements to generate upward forces that counteract the downward gravitational force of the assistive device. The springs are configured to provide lifting force during the swing phase, effectively canceling out the weight burden on the user's leg while maintaining the assistive function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through the swing phase assistance mechanism that operates rhythmically during walking. The elastic elements and springs are engaged specifically during the swing phase when leg lifting is needed, and disengaged during the stance phase, creating a periodic assistance pattern that matches the natural walking cycle and reduces overall walk load.
2Ease of operation
If the assistive device provides swinging assistance, then the user's leg swing is assisted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service principle by utilizing the user's own body weight and walking motion to activate the assistance mechanism. The springs and elastic elements are passively engaged by the user's leg movement during the swing phase, converting the user's own kinetic energy into lifting force without requiring external power sources or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses springs and elastic elements as intermediary components between the user's leg and the assistive device structure. These intermediaries store and release energy, providing smooth swinging assistance while isolating the user from the mechanical complexity of the device structure and reducing direct transmission of device weight to the user.
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 effectively reduces the walk load on users, enabling longer and more natural walking training sessions, improving recovery efficiency by adjusting the tensile forces to match the user's recovery progress and maintaining proper leg alignment.
Implementation Method 1
The resultant force of the vertically upward component of the tensile force of the first tensile portion and the vertically upward component of the tensile force of the second tensile portion may be equal to a force of gravity of the walking assist device
Data Source
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AI summary
A walk training apparatus (1) includes a walking assist device (2), a first tensile portion, and a second tensile portion. The walking assist device (2) is configured to be attached to a leg of a user so as to assist the user in walking. The first tensile portion pulls at least one of the walking assist device (2) and the leg of the user toward a vertically upper side and toward a front side. The second tensile portion pulls at least one of the walking assist device (2) and the leg of the user toward the vertically upper side and toward a rear side.