Wearable Apparatus Torso-Mounted Support Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable devices for assisting upper arm muscle strength suffer from limited operating range due to exoskeleton interference and continuous load application below a certain angle, causing inconvenience to the wearer.
Innovation Solution
A wearable apparatus with a main body mechanism fixed to the torso, a fastening mechanism for the upper arm, and a support mechanism that adjusts force based on arm angle, using elastic bodies and cam profiles to minimize interference and optimize support torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an exoskeleton configuration is used to simulate the wearer's shoulder joint, then the support function is provided, but interference in the work area occurs and the operating range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable apparatus is divided into separate functional modules: a main body mechanism fixed to the torso, a fastening mechanism for the upper arm, and a connecting mechanism with support mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, eliminating interference in the work area while maintaining the support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The main body mechanism extends in the vertical direction of the torso rather than horizontally along the arm, changing the spatial arrangement from a traditional exoskeleton configuration. This vertical extension positioning allows the support mechanism to function without interfering with the wearer's work area, expanding the operating range.
2Reliability
If continuous load is applied to support the upper arm, then muscle strength assistance is provided, but inconvenience occurs when the upper arm is lowered below a predetermined angle
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism uses an elastic body (spring) that dynamically adjusts the support force based on the position of the upper arm. When the upper arm is lowered below a predetermined angle, the elastic body's deformation changes, automatically reducing or eliminating the support force. This dynamic adjustment provides muscle strength assistance when needed while avoiding inconvenience when the arm is lowered.
Solution Approach 2:
The support force parameter is changed based on the arm angle through the elastic body's mechanical properties. As the upper arm position changes, the deformation of the elastic body changes, which directly alters the support force magnitude. This parameter change ensures that continuous load is not applied when the upper arm is lowered below a predetermined angle, improving convenience.
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
Prevents interference in the work area and adjusts support force according to upper arm angle, eliminating unnecessary load below a predetermined angle, thereby enhancing user convenience and operational range.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body generating an elastic force; and a first roller coupled to the main body mechanism and movable with respect to the main body mechanism by being connected to a first end of the elastic body through a wire, and the elastic force of the elastic body is varied depending on relative positions of the first roller and the main body mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable apparatus for assisting muscular strength includes: a main body mechanism extending in a vertical direction of a wearer's torso, and being fixed to a side of a wearer's torso under a wearer's shoulder; a fastening mechanism extending along an extension direction of a wearer's upper arm, and being disposed at and being in contact with a lower surface of the wearer's upper arm; a connecting mechanism having a first end coupled to the fastening mechanism and a second end movably coupled to the main body mechanism so as to be movable with respect to the main body mechanism; and a support mechanism movably coupled between the first end and the second end of the connecting mechanism to apply a support force to the connecting mechanism, and coupled to the main body mechanism and movable with respect thereto.