Gait assistance device and method of operation thereof

Gait assistance device with independent left and right lifting control using counterweights and wires

This technology features a structure that secures to the wearer's pelvis/upper body via a harness and compensates for body weight during walking using counterweights and wires. It detects the user's arm/leg movements through sensors to independently control the left and right lifting units, providing gait assistance and incorporating a mechanism to control differential wheel drive during turns.

Existing wearable robots for patients with lower limb paralysis often lack adequate fall prevention due to instability in their mechanical structures and control algorithms, posing a high risk of serious injury to patients with limited muscle strength if they fall.

This technology detects gait intent by sensing body rotation and arm/leg movements via non-contact sensors. It generates active gait assistance by selectively operating the left and right lifting units through a control module to raise or lower the counterweights. The system also incorporates intent for turning by differentially controlling wheel rotation speeds. Applicable to rehabilitation training, gait assistance, and medical/welfare services, it reduces the risk of falling and supports stable walking for patients with lower limb paralysis.

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Key Features:

• Non-contact sensors provided on the front links of the left and right counterweight support link units, respectively, to detect the user's gait intent.
• A gait assistance device where the counterweight continuously lifts the body while controlling at least one of the left and right lifting units.
• Left and right counterweight support link units, each including a rear link and a connecting link that joins the front link and the rear link.
• Left and right lifting units connected to one side of the connecting links to provide vertical movement for the left and right connecting links.