Walking Assist Robot Tendency Data Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking assist robots, such as those described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-271911, fail to provide comfortable walking assistance to users with low physical ability, as they often move at speeds that are not synchronized with the user's intended pace and can cause the user to stumble due to mismatched movement directions.
Innovation Solution
A walking assist robot equipped with a handle, a load detector, and a movement device that includes a rotation member and an actuator, which generates tendency data from past load data to adjust the rotation speed and correct the load applied to the handle, allowing the robot to move in accordance with the user's intended movement, even if the user is staggering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the robot moves at a speed calculated based on user input to a handle, then the robot can guide the user to a destination, but the movement speed may not synchronize with the user's intended pace causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The robot uses a detector to continuously monitor the load applied to the handle and compares it with tendency data representing the user's intended movement. This feedback loop allows the robot to adjust its movement speed dynamically to match the user's pace, resolving the contradiction between maintaining guide functionality and improving walking comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The robot pre-calculates tendency data representing the user's intended movement direction and speed before the user actually moves. By anticipating the user's intended movement and preparing the appropriate response in advance, the robot can synchronize its movement more smoothly with the user's pace, enhancing comfort while maintaining guidance capability
2Speed
If the robot responds directly to handle load input, then the robot can move in response to user input, but the robot may move in wrong directions causing the user to stumble
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously compares the detected handle load with pre-calculated tendency data and adjusts movement accordingly. This feedback mechanism filters out erroneous inputs and ensures the robot moves in the correct direction, improving reliability while maintaining responsive movement
Solution Approach 2:
The robot pre-calculates tendency data representing the correct movement direction before the user applies load to the handle. By having the correct movement direction prepared in advance, the robot can respond quickly to user input while ensuring movement accuracy, preventing the user from stumbling
3Device complexity
If the robot uses simple load detection control, then the device complexity remains low, but the robot cannot provide comfortable assistance to users with low physical ability
Solution Approach 1:
The robot pre-calculates tendency data representing the user's intended movement and stores it for later comparison. This preliminary preparation of reference data allows the simple control system to provide sophisticated assistance by comparing current load with pre-computed tendency, improving walking assistance quality without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the user's own past movement patterns (captured in tendency data) to assist their current movement. By leveraging the user's own historical data, the simple control system can adapt to individual walking patterns and provide personalized assistance, improving quality of care without complex external systems
Data Source
AI summary
A robot includes a body, a handle provided on the body and holdable by a user, a detector that detects a load applied to the handle, a movement device that includes a rotation member and moves the robot by controlling rotation of the rotation member in accordance with the detected load, and a generator that generates tendency data, which indicates tendency of the load applied to the handle, on the basis of past load data regarding the handle obtained while the robot is moving. The movement device includes an actuator that controls a rotation speed of the rotation member on the basis of the detected load and the generated tendency data.