Wearable Hip Joint Torque Control for Exercise Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a growing need for wearable devices that can assist individuals with joint problems, such as the elderly or those with muscular issues, by providing effective walking assistance and strengthening exercises, but existing technologies lack efficient methods to recognize and respond to various exercise movements accurately.
Innovation Solution
A wearable apparatus that recognizes exercise moves based on hip joint angles and angular velocities, determines torque reference information, and outputs appropriate torque commands to assist or resist user movements, utilizing a controller and drivers positioned around the hip joints to provide real-time feedback and support during exercises like lunges, squats, and step-ups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the wearable apparatus uses complex motion recognition algorithms to accurately identify various exercise moves, then the measurement precision of exercise move recognition is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the exercise recognition process into distinct phases (starting phase, exercise phase, ending phase) based on hip joint angle thresholds. Each phase has specific recognition criteria, breaking down the complex task of identifying various exercise moves into manageable segments that can be processed independently and accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in hip joint angles and angular velocities to recognize different exercise moves. By monitoring changes in these parameters against predefined thresholds, the system can distinguish between various exercises (squats, lunges, step-ups) without requiring complex algorithms, thus improving recognition accuracy while controlling device complexity.
2Productivity
If the wearable apparatus provides real-time torque feedback during exercise, then the exercise efficacy is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic torque output during specific phases of exercise (during the exercise phase between starting and ending phases). The torque is activated only when needed based on real-time motion detection, rather than continuously, which improves exercise efficacy by providing timely feedback while reducing overall energy consumption through intermittent operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time torque feedback based on detected exercise moves and phase recognition. The controller adjusts torque output according to the user's motion state, creating a closed-loop feedback system that enhances exercise efficacy by adapting resistance or assistance dynamically while optimizing energy use through condition-based activation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the wearable apparatus monitors multiple parameters (hip joint angles, angular velocities, acceleration) to recognize complex exercises like step-ups on objects, then the adaptability of the device is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions (hip joint angle measurement, angular velocity detection, and acceleration sensing) into an integrated motion recognition system. By combining these parameters and processing them together through phase-based recognition logic, the apparatus can identify complex exercises like step-ups on objects while managing device complexity through unified control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal exercise recognition system that can identify multiple exercise types (squats, lunges, step-ups, step-ups on objects) using a single integrated controller that processes multiple parameters. This multi-functional approach allows the device to adapt to various exercise scenarios without requiring separate specialized systems for each exercise type.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable apparatus recognizes an exercise move of a user based on motion information of the user, determines torque reference information based on a result of the recognizing, determines torque command information based on the determined torque reference information and a predetermined factor, and outputs a torque based on the determined torque command information.