Adjustable Knee Rehabilitation Device with Sliding Foam Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current knee rehabilitation devices, such as the KNEEMD, are expensive, bulky, and limited in functionality, failing to provide effective range of motion for both knee extension and flexion, as well as joint mobilization, which are essential for patients post-knee surgery or with knee issues.
Innovation Solution
A knee rehabilitation device comprising adjustable, rigid posts with foam pads and clamps, allowing for customizable positioning and application of anterior, posterior, and rotational joint mobilization forces to enhance range of motion through user-controlled exercises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bulky and expensive knee rehabilitation device like KNEEMD is used, then knee extension range of motion can be improved, but the device is too expensive and bulky, and does not provide knee flexion or joint mobilization
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: an base unit with posts, and detachable transverse bars with foam pads that can be configured in different positions. This segmentation allows the same basic structure to serve multiple functions (extension, flexion, mobilization) without requiring a completely different device for each function, reducing overall complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to perform multiple rehabilitation functions including knee extension, knee flexion, and joint mobilization using the same basic structure. By allowing the transverse bars to be positioned at different heights and orientations on the posts, a single device replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices, addressing the versatility need while controlling complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-structure rehabilitation device is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but it cannot provide customizable positioning for different patient needs
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates adjustable and movable components rather than fixed structures. The transverse bars can slide along the posts to different heights, and the foam pads can be repositioned, allowing customization for different patient anatomies and rehabilitation stages. This dynamic adjustability is achieved through simple mechanical interfaces that do not require complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides pre-configured adjustment mechanisms that allow patients or therapists to quickly set up the appropriate positioning without requiring complex assembly or specialized training. The clamp-and-slide system is designed to be intuitively adjustable by end users, eliminating the need for complex manufacturing while enabling customization.
3Reliability
If a therapist-performed joint mobilization is used, then effective range of motion improvement is achieved, but extensive therapist intervention is required which increases therapy costs
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to enable patients to perform their own joint mobilization and range of motion exercises at home without requiring continuous therapist supervision. The adjustable transverse bars and foam pads allow patients to self-position the device correctly, and the mechanical structure provides the necessary mobilization forces when patients move their legs through the prescribed range of motion, making professional intervention unnecessary for daily use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device acts as an intermediary between the patient and the therapeutic effect. Instead of requiring direct manual manipulation by a therapist, the device mechanically reproduces the mobilization forces and positioning that a therapist would provide, allowing patients to independently access effective joint mobilization techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
A knee rehabilitation device may include a left post and a right post, an upper transverse post and a lower transverse post. The transverse posts may extend from the left post to the right post and may include foam pads that are configured to rest against opposing sides of the user's legs. The left and right posts may be angled to facilitate handling of the device. The transverse posts may be attached to the left and right posts by clamps that allow the transverse posts to slide along the height of the left and right posts.