Walking Assist Device Frame Connection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional walking assist devices concentrate stress on the main body frame or transmission members due to user body shape variations, leading to potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A walking assist device with a connection mechanism that adjusts the relative position of the second frame with respect to the first frame based on user leg motion, combined with a restricting member and elastic movement, to distribute and reduce stress on the main body frame and transmission members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the main body frame and second orthoses are connected by transmission members in a fixed configuration, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but stress concentrates on specific parts of the main body frame or transmission members depending on user body shape
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism allows the second frame to move relative to the first frame in the longitudinal direction, transforming the rigid fixed connection into a dynamic adjustable connection. This enables the structure to adapt to different user body shapes and walking motions, distributing stress more evenly across the main body frame and transmission members rather than concentrating it at fixed points.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the second frame is fixed relative to the first frame, then the structure maintains stability, but stress concentration occurs on constituent members during walking motion
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism provides controlled movement of the second frame relative to the first frame along the longitudinal direction. This dynamic adjustment allows the frame to maintain stability during normal operation while accommodating variations in user body shape and walking motion, thereby preventing stress concentration and protecting the strength of constituent members.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism changes the relative position parameter between the first frame and second frame based on user leg motion. By dynamically adjusting this positional parameter, the system optimizes stress distribution while maintaining overall frame stability during the walking cycle.
3Reliability
If a connection mechanism allowing relative movement is introduced, then stress concentration is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism introduces controlled dynamics between the first frame and second frame, allowing relative movement in the longitudinal direction to prevent stress concentration. While this does increase device complexity compared to a fixed connection, the mechanism is designed to be integrated into the existing main body frame structure, minimizing the additional complexity required.
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
Effectively prevents stress concentration on the main body frame and transmission members, ensuring efficient assist force transmission and user safety by allowing the second frame to move elastically and adjust its position according to user motion.
Implementation Method 1
the connection mechanism preferably moves the second frame elastically with respect to the first frame
Data Source
AI summary
A main body frame 40 of a walking assist device 1, which is to be fixed to the waist of a user, has first frames 41 to be fixed to the waist of the user, second frames 42, and connection mechanisms 43, which connect the first frames 41 and the second frames 42 such that the relative positions of the second frames 42 with respect to the first frames 41 change according to the motions of the legs of the user.