Adjustable Rehabilitation Device for Limb Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rehabilitation exercise devices for upper and lower limbs are complex, costly, and cumbersome, making them difficult for elderly or rehabilitation patients with weak muscles to use effectively, as they require installation and are not easily portable, which hinders their ability to perform joint exercises efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A simplified rehabilitation exercise device with adjustable mounting angles and a slide-crank mechanism that allows users to easily adjust the device's position and angle to accommodate their needs, enabling them to perform exercises on a desk, chair, or mattress, with a focus on minimizing cost and enhancing mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robotic shoulder apparatus with complex structure is used for passive rehabilitation, then rehabilitation function is provided, but device complexity and cost increase making it inaccessible to more users
Solution Approach 1:
The rehabilitation device is divided into separate support components (first support for hand/foot, second support for forearm/calf, third support for upper arm/thigh) that can function independently or in combination, allowing the system to provide comprehensive rehabilitation while maintaining simplicity of individual components
Solution Approach 2:
The same support structure and hinge mechanism are used for both upper limb and lower limb rehabilitation, allowing a single simple device to serve multiple rehabilitation purposes without requiring complex specialized components for each body part
2Reliability
If a large rehabilitation exercise device is installed in a fixed location, then rehabilitation exercises can be performed, but ease of operation deteriorates as users must travel to the device location
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates adjustable supports and hinges that allow the structure to be reconfigured and moved to different locations and positions, transforming a static fixed installation into a dynamic portable system that can be brought to where the user needs it
Solution Approach 2:
The length of the second support is made adjustable to change the distance between supports, allowing the device to adapt to different user sizes and exercise requirements while maintaining portability and ease of setup in various locations
3Reliability
If a complex rehabilitation device with multiple components is used, then rehabilitation effectiveness is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple rehabilitation functions for different body parts are merged into a single integrated device using common components like hinges and supports, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining comprehensive rehabilitation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanisms allow users to independently adjust and reposition the supports without requiring complex assembly tools or professional installation, reducing manufacturing and deployment costs while maintaining effective rehabilitation function
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 allows users to perform rehabilitation exercises with ease by adjusting the mounting angle and position, facilitating normal motion rehabilitation for upper and lower limbs, reducing the burden of installation and portability issues, thus improving accessibility and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of first hinges rotatably connecting the first support and the second support to each other; a pair of second hinges rotatably connecting the second support and the third support to each other
Data Source
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AI summary
Proposed is a rehabilitation exercise device for upper and lower limbs. The rehabilitation exercise device is characterized by including: a first support supporting a user's hand or foot; a second support supporting a user's forearm or calf; a pair of first hinges rotatably connecting the first support and the second support to each other; a third support supporting a user's upper arm or thigh; a pair of second hinges rotatably connecting the second support and the third support to each other; and a distance adjustment part configured to adjust a distance between the first support and the third support by adjusting length of the second support.