Wearable Joint Assist Drive With Nested Hollow Actuator Reducer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rapidly aging societies have led to an increased need for motion assistance apparatuses that can help individuals with joint problems walk with less effort, as existing solutions are inadequate in providing effective support and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A motion assistance apparatus comprising a proximal support, a distal support, a hollow actuator with a stator and rotor, a reducer, and a driving frame that connects the reducer to the distal support, allowing for efficient transfer of power and reduced volume for easier wearability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motion assistance apparatus is designed to provide effective mechanical support and stability for users with joint problems, then the support and stability are improved, but the volume and weight of the apparatus increase, making it difficult to wear under clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the reducer inside the hollow actuator, creating a nested configuration where the reduction mechanism is housed within the actuator's internal cavity. This nesting arrangement allows the apparatus to maintain robust mechanical support components while minimizing overall volume, enabling wearability under clothing without sacrificing structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the hollow internal space of the actuator in the radial dimension to accommodate the reducer, rather than extending the apparatus lengthwise. This dimensional reorganization allows compact packaging of multiple functional components, reducing the external footprint while maintaining internal mechanical complexity for reliable support
2Volume of moving object
If the apparatus includes a reducer inside the hollow actuator to reduce volume, then the compactness is improved, but the complexity of assembling and maintaining the internal components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuator and reducer into a single integrated assembly, where the reducer is positioned within the actuator's hollow space and both components work together as a unified power transmission system. This merging reduces the number of separate assemblies and connection points, simplifying overall structure despite the nested configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow actuator serves multiple functions: it provides the driving force through motor operation, contains the reducer mechanism, and acts as a structural housing for the entire drive assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture
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 in reducing the effort required for walking by providing mechanical support and stability, thereby alleviating pain and discomfort associated with joint problems, while also being compact enough to be worn under clothing.
Implementation Method 1
a stator connected to the proximal support; and a rotor configured to rotate relative to the stator
Implementation Method 2
the main plate includes a sun gear at a center of the main plate, the protrusion includes a ring gear in an inner side of the protrusion toward a center of the protrusion, the reducer includes, a plurality of planetary gears between the sun gear and the ring gear
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of bearings configured to resist shaking of central axes of the sun gear, the ring gear, and the plurality of planetary gears
Data Source
AI summary
A motion assistance apparatus which may include a proximal support configured to support a proximal part of a user, a distal support configured to support a distal part of the user, a hollow actuator on the proximal support, a reducer inserted in the hollow actuator such that an input end of the reducer is connected to an output end of the hollow actuator, and a driving frame configured to connect an output end of the reducer to the distal support.