Walking Training System Tension Control via Phase Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking training devices face challenges in applying appropriate tensile forces during training, leading to ineffective training when forces are applied unnecessarily.
Innovation Solution
A walking training system that includes a tension unit, a sensor to determine the start timing of the swinging end phase, and a control unit to gradually reduce the tensile force from this timing, with the sensor potentially using a camera or knee joint angle detection to optimize the force reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tensile force is applied continuously during walking training, then the leg can be supported throughout the movement, but training effectiveness is reduced when force is applied during phases where assist is unnecessary
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies tensile force periodically rather than continuously, activating the tension unit only during specific phases of the walking cycle (swing phase and early standing phase) when assist is actually needed, and deactivating it during the swinging end phase and late standing phase where the leg can support itself
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the tensile force based on real-time detection of leg position and walking phase, using sensors to monitor knee joint angle and lower leg orientation, and continuously modulating the tension unit output to match the instantaneous support requirements of the leg
2Force
If tensile force is applied at all times, then the leg receives constant assistance, but unnecessary strain is applied during phases where the leg should move independently
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensor feedback to detect the current phase of the walking cycle and the position of the leg, then adjusts the tensile force accordingly - reducing force during the swinging end phase when the lower leg becomes perpendicular to the horizontal plane and increasing force during the swing phase when the leg needs assistance to overcome gravity and inertia
Data Source
AI summary
A walking training system includes: a tension unit that pulls a leg of a trainee upward and forward; a sensor provided for determining a start timing of a swinging end phase of the leg; and a control unit that reduces a tensile force of the tension unit from the start timing of the swinging end phase.