Wearable Gait Disorder Support Device for Parkinson's Frozen Gait
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gait motion assistance systems face delays in responding to the onset of frozen gait, and there is a lack of practical solutions for providing timely motion assistance in daily environments, as they often rely on visual or auditory cues and require external support.
Innovation Solution
A wearable gait disorder support apparatus with a drive unit, foot load measurement unit, gait cycle calculation unit, and onset sign detection unit that detects the onset of gait disorders by analyzing gait cycles and applying assistive power to the knee joint when necessary, without interfering with normal gait motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external cues (visual or auditory) are used to assist gait, then gait support can be provided, but the system requires external support and is not suitable for independent use in daily environments
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable apparatus detects gait abnormalities autonomously using onboard sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) and provides assistance through integrated actuators, eliminating the need for external support systems. The device independently monitors gait parameters, identifies frozen gait episodes, and delivers tactile or mechanical cues to assist the user's movement.
2Reliability
If gait motion assistance is provided continuously, then gait support is always available, but it interferes with normal gait motion
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the assistance provided by the actuators based on real-time gait analysis. During normal gait, the device remains inactive or provides minimal support. When frozen gait is detected through sensor data analysis (changes in acceleration patterns, gait cycle variations), the device activates to provide targeted assistance, then deactivates when normal gait resumes, ensuring support is available only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects early signs of frozen gait through continuous monitoring of gait parameters before the condition fully develops. By identifying preliminary indicators (subtle changes in gait cycle timing, acceleration patterns), the device can provide assistance in advance, preventing the full onset of frozen gait and maintaining natural movement patterns.
3Ease of operation
If response to frozen gait onset is delayed, then the system is simpler to operate, but assistance is not provided timely
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus continuously collects gait data through sensors and provides real-time feedback to the control unit, which processes the information and immediately activates actuators when frozen gait is detected. This closed-loop feedback system ensures rapid response by constantly monitoring gait parameters and instantly reacting to abnormal patterns, eliminating delays while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A gait disorder support apparatus and gait disorder support method capable of detecting an onset sign of a gait disorder associated with motor symptoms in advance and performing motion assist are proposed. The onset sign of the gait disorder associated with the motor symptoms of a wearer is detected based on the correlation between a gait cycle and a reduction ratio of the gait cycle as compared to immediately preceding gait; and when the onset sign of the gait disorder is detected, a drive unit is controlled so that the drive unit applies assist power to a knee joint of the wearer; and on the other hand, when the onset sign of the gait disorder is not detected, the drive unit is controlled so that driving torque by the drive unit does not hinder the wearer's gait motion.