Wearable Assistance Apparatus for Backward Walking with Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assistance technologies, such as those described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-213538 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (Translation of PCT Application) No. 2016-528940, fail to provide tailored assistance to users based on their specific states, such as carrying objects, which can lead to inefficient support and increased burden on the user.
Innovation Solution
An assistance apparatus comprising an upper-body belt, left and right knee belts, and wires coupled to motors that adjust tension across these belts to provide specific assistance during different phases of the gait cycle, allowing for tailored support based on the user's state, such as carrying an object, by generating varying tensions in the wires to assist flexion and extension of the legs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed assistance method is used for all users, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different user states (e.g., carrying objects) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The assistance apparatus dynamically adjusts wire tension based on detected gait phase and user state. The control unit modifies assistance characteristics in real-time during different gait phases (swing phase vs. stance phase), enabling the same device to adapt to varying user conditions without requiring multiple fixed configurations or complex sensor systems.
2Stability of the object's composition
If wire tension is increased to assist leg extension, then walking stability is improved, but the influence on natural gait deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit applies wire tension periodically according to the gait phase. Tension is applied primarily during the swing phase to assist leg lifting, while reducing tension during the stance phase to allow natural leg extension. This periodic application of force provides walking stability when needed while minimizing interference with natural gait mechanics.
3Productivity
If assistance is provided during the entire gait phase, then productivity is improved, but the loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit activates wire tension only during specific gait phases (primarily swing phase) rather than continuously throughout the entire gait cycle. This periodic activation provides assistance when most needed for leg lifting while allowing natural muscle engagement during stance phase, thereby improving walking efficiency without excessive energy consumption.
4Adaptability or versatility
If high tension is applied to assist backward walking, then the ability to carry objects is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit applies different tension levels to different wires based on local needs during the gait cycle. When carrying objects, higher tension is applied selectively during swing phase to assist leg lifting against the load, while maintaining lower tension during stance phase to preserve natural leg extension. This localized, phase-dependent tension application enables object carrying capability while maintaining ease of operation.
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 assists users in walking by providing stable posture and reducing the influence on leg extension, especially when carrying objects, by adjusting tensions in the wires to match the user's gait phase, thereby enhancing walking stability and reducing tripping hazards.
Implementation Method 1
at least one motor... generates (i) a tension greater than or equal to a first threshold value in the second wire during a first period
Data Source
AI summary
An assistance apparatus includes wires, each of which couples an upper-body belt and one of left and right knee belts to each other, and a motor. When the assistance apparatus assists a user in walking backward while carrying an object, the motor generates, in a gait phase of a left leg, a tension greater than or equal to a second threshold value in a second wire during a fifth period other than a first period during which a tension greater than or equal to a first threshold value is generated, and a tension less than the second threshold value in a first wire during a sixth period other than a second period during which a tension greater than or equal to the first threshold value is generated, and generates, in a gait phase of a right leg, a tension greater than or equal to the second threshold value in a fourth wire during a seventh period other than a third period during which a tension greater than or equal to the first threshold value is generated, and a tension less than the second threshold value in a third wire during an eighth period other than a fourth period during which a tension greater than or equal to the first threshold value is generated.