Walking Support Robot Dynamic Load Control via Handle Force Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking support technologies fail to improve physical performance while supporting users, as they either require cumbersome apparatuses or provide only periodic control based on predetermined walking patterns, unable to adjust loads according to actual user walking dynamics.
Innovation Solution
A walking support robot equipped with a sensor to detect handle force, a moving device with a rotating member, and a processor that estimates leg position and sets loads based on this data, allowing for dynamic adjustment of movement and load application to enhance physical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If periodic control based on predetermined walking patterns is used, then the control system is simple, but it cannot adjust loads according to actual user walking dynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The control system transitions from static periodic control to dynamic control by continuously monitoring handle force variations and adjusting load in real-time based on actual walking dynamics. The processor dynamically modifies driving force according to detected force changes, enabling adaptability while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by sensing handle force applied by the user and using this information to adjust the driving force. The sensor continuously monitors user input and feeds this data back to the processor, which then modulates the moving device output to provide appropriate load adjustment during walking.
2Reliability
If sophisticated load adjustment based on leg position estimation is implemented, then physical performance improvement is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle force serves as an intermediary measurement that indirectly provides information about leg position and walking phase. Instead of directly measuring leg position with complex sensors, the system uses force variations at the handle as a proxy to estimate walking dynamics and determine appropriate load adjustment timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical leg position sensing mechanisms with a simpler force sensor at the handle. By substituting direct mechanical measurement with force-based inference, the system achieves leg position estimation capability without requiring sophisticated apparatus, thereby improving physical performance while controlling complexity.
3Productivity
If real-time force sensing and dynamic control are used, then walking support effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system operates in periodic cycles synchronized with the user's walking rhythm. The processor detects force variations that indicate walking phase transitions and adjusts load periodically rather than continuously, reducing computational overhead and energy consumption while maintaining effective walking support throughout the gait cycle.
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 robot effectively improves physical performance by setting loads according to actual walking patterns, enhancing user experience and efficiency without the need for cumbersome apparatuses, and providing personalized training based on real-time data.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor that senses a force applied to the handle
Data Source
AI summary
A walking support robot of the present disclosure is a walking support robot that moves in accordance with a handle force while supporting walking of a user. The walking support robot includes a body, a handle that is on the body and is held by the user, a sensor that senses a force applied to the handle, and a moving device that includes a rotating member and moves the walking support robot by controlling rotation of the rotating member in accordance with the force sensed by the sensor. The walking support robot estimates a leg position of the user on a basis of a change of the force sensed by the sensor, and sets a load to be applied to the user on a basis of the leg position.