Wearable Shoulder Linkage for Lateral Rotation Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable apparatuses are unable to simulate the lateral rotation of a wearer's shoulder joint effectively, leading to instability and potential accidents due to the need for additional coupling and protruding components during external rotation.
Innovation Solution
A combined structure featuring a torso fastening part, fixed and rotatable links forming a cross four-bar linkage, and an upper arm module that allows for internal and external rotation of the shoulder joint with a single degree of freedom, eliminating the need for additional fastening mechanisms and maintaining stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single rotation shaft is used in the up-and-down direction, then the structure is simple, but it is impossible to simulate the lateral rotation of the shoulder joint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lateral rotation dimension by adding rotation shafts in the lateral direction, transforming a single-degree-of-freedom vertical rotation system into a two-degree-of-freedom system that can simulate both vertical and lateral shoulder joint rotations. This dimensional expansion enables the wearable apparatus to replicate the complex three-dimensional motion of the human shoulder joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable rotation shafts that can change their rotational axes during operation. The lateral rotation shafts are configured to rotate about axes that move during shoulder joint motion, allowing the system to adapt to the changing kinematics of the shoulder joint while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rotation shafts are provided in the up-and-down direction, then shoulder joint rotation can be simulated, but an extra degree of freedom occurs requiring additional coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vertical and lateral rotation functions into an integrated four-bar linkage mechanism. The lateral rotation shafts are combined with the vertical rotation shafts through a unified linkage structure that shares common components, thereby reducing the need for separate coupling mechanisms while still achieving multi-directional rotation simulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation shafts in the patent are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as vertical support elements and as lateral rotation axes. This universal design allows the same structural elements to perform multiple functions, eliminating the need for additional dedicated coupling components for lateral rotation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rotation shafts are provided, then shoulder joint rotation can be simulated, but components may be projected to the outside causing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the lateral rotation shafts within the vertical rotation shaft structure, creating a compact hierarchical arrangement. The lateral rotation mechanism is embedded within the overall vertical rotation assembly, allowing multiple rotation axes to coexist in a compact form factor that minimizes protrusion from the wearer's body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the lateral rotation shafts in the lateral dimension rather than allowing them to protrude outward. By orienting the rotation axes laterally and integrating them into the shoulder-mounted structure, the system achieves multi-directional rotation capability while keeping all components contained within the wearable apparatus boundary.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional wearable apparatus structure is used, then manufacturing is simple, but it is impossible to simulate internal or external rotation of the shoulder joint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rotation mechanism into modular components: vertical rotation shafts, lateral rotation shafts, and four-bar linkage elements. Each segment can be manufactured independently using standard manufacturing processes, and then assembled through straightforward coupling mechanisms, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving complex rotational simulation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A combined structure of a wearable apparatus includes: a torso fastening part fixedly fastened to a wearer's torso; a fixed link extending from the torso fastening part to a position above a wearer's shoulder; a first link and a second link being respectively coupled to the fixed link to be laterally rotatable, and crossing each other while being vertically spaced apart from each other; a rotatable part disposed at a position above the wearer's shoulder, and coupled to the first link and the second link to be laterally rotatable; a connecting part coupled to the rotatable part; and an upper arm module coupled to be rotatable upward or downward about the connecting part while an end thereof is coupled to the connecting part at a position corresponding to an upper end portion of a wearer's upper arm.