Modular Wearable Joint Assist Structure for Low-Burden Motion Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable motion assistance devices are bulky, burdensome, and do not adequately support various joint motions, leading to psychological resistance and physical discomfort among elderly users.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, thin, and adaptable wearable motion assistance device with a drive unit, frame units, and biosignal detection, capable of positioning at desired joint sites, using a drive unit with a stator and rotor housed in separate housings, and actuator control to provide assist force based on biosignals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the wearable motion assistance device is made lightweight and thin, then the physical burden on elderly users is reduced and psychological resistance decreases, but the device complexity increases to achieve downsizing while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent modules including a drive unit with separate stator and rotor housings, frame units, power source unit, control unit, and sensor units. Each module can be independently designed, manufactured, and assembled, enabling weight reduction through optimized material selection and downsizing while maintaining overall functionality through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested housing structures where the stator housing and rotor housing are positioned concentrically around the actuator motor. The frame units are coupled to coupling parts that protrude from these nested housings, allowing compact arrangement of components in a space-efficient manner that reduces overall device dimensions without compromising structural integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device is designed to support various joint motions (walking, upper limb, lower back), then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit with the actuator motor is designed as a universal module that can be applied to multiple joint types (hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle) by simply changing the frame unit configuration and coupling arrangement. The same basic drive unit architecture supports diverse motion assistance functions including walking support, upper limb rehabilitation, and lower back support, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable frame units that can be positioned and oriented differently to match various joint locations and motion requirements. The coupling parts allow flexible attachment of frame units to the drive unit, enabling dynamic reconfiguration of the device for different application scenarios without requiring complex redesign
3Ease of operation
If the housings are designed to rotate separately to reduce interference with clothing, then the ease of operation improves, but the mechanical complexity of the drive unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stator housing and rotor housing are merged into a integrated drive unit assembly where both housings are coupled to the actuator motor in a fixed spatial relationship. This combined housing structure rotates as a unified component rather than independently, simplifying the mechanical design while still achieving the goal of reducing interference with the wearer's clothing through the overall rotational capability of the drive unit
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 device reduces physical burdens and allows seamless integration with daily activities by providing assist force without hindering the user, supporting various joint motions including walking, upper limb, and lower back movements.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator 10; an actuator driver 36 for performing drive control of the actuator 10
Implementation Method 2
a power source unit 21 which is coupled to the second frame unit 6 in a freely attachable/detachable manner and is equipped with a battery for supplying electric power to the actuator 10
Implementation Method 3
a biosignal detection unit 41 for detecting a biosignal according to movements of a joint 200 connecting first and second body sites of a wearer
Implementation Method 4
a physical quantity detector 40 for detecting a physical quantity regarding a rotary motion between the first and second housings 2A, 2B from a driving current supplied to the actuator 10
Data Source
AI summary
In a state where a drive unit is located on a lateral side of a joint(s) of a wearer wearing clothes and a communication unit and a frame unit are fixed and retained corresponding to the wearer's first and second body sites, respectively, a driving torque of an actuator according to movements of the wearer's joint is transmitted as an assist force to the first and second body sites without giving any physical burdens or hindrances in daily life to the wearer.