Wearable Device Irregular Torque Balance Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elderly individuals face difficulties in walking due to deteriorated sensory and exercise capacities, leading to a higher risk of tripping and falling, and existing balance training methods are limited in providing effective prevention and training in various environments.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device that assists walking by generating irregular pattern torques through a controller and actuator system, simulating unexpected forces to enhance balance and reaction capabilities, allowing users to train for potential falls in different situations and environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional balance training methods (manual pushing, platform shaking, treadmill speed control) are used, then balance training can be provided, but the training is limited to specific environments and cannot be applied in various situations
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device integrates multiple training modes (irregular torque application, regular torque application, and hybrid mode) into a single system that can be worn by users in various environments. The device includes actuators that can apply different torque patterns to the user's body, enabling balance training whether the user is walking, standing, or performing other activities, thus providing universal applicability across different situations and locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device autonomously generates irregular pattern torques through its controller and actuator system without requiring external intervention. The controller automatically determines when and how much torque to apply based on sensor feedback from the user's motion state, enabling the system to self-regulate and provide adaptive training in various environments without needing constant external control or specialized training facilities.
2Reliability
If irregular pattern torque is applied to simulate unexpected forces, then balance and reaction capabilities are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller varies the torque parameters (magnitude, duration, frequency, and pattern) applied by the actuators to simulate different unexpected force scenarios. By changing these parameters dynamically based on the user's response and training progress, the system can provide diverse balance training stimuli without requiring complex mechanical structures, achieving enhanced training effectiveness through parameter variation rather than structural complexity.
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 wearable device effectively improves balance and reaction abilities by simulating fall scenarios, enabling users to develop strength and prevent falls, and can be used by various individuals, including the elderly, athletes, and patients, in various activities beyond walking.
Implementation Method 1
a wearable device that assists walking by generating irregular pattern torques through a controller and actuator system
Data Source
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AI summary
A balance training method using a wearable device, and the wearable device are disclosed. The balance training method using the wearable device configured to provide a walking assist function includes executing a balance training mode of the wearable device and supplying an irregular pattern torque to an actuator of the wearable device at a time point or in a time period in the balance training mode.