Adjustable Physical Therapy Device with Pulsed Electromagnetic Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current physical therapy devices for lower extremities are often nonadjustable, requiring assistance and cannot be used unassisted, which limits their application in home settings and increases the risk of setbacks or injuries if proper control of functional movements is not achieved.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable physical therapy device that accommodates various user body parts and heights, incorporating pulsed electric current and magnetic field stimulation, allowing for self-assisted use in horizontal, vertical, or angled positions to address pain and discomfort, featuring modular design with metallic and high-tensile polymer components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If physical therapy devices are made nonadjustable to simplify design, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to various user body parts and heights is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The therapy device is divided into multiple adjustable segments including vertical support members with horizontal support members that can be positioned at different heights and angles. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted to accommodate various user body parts and heights while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including telescoping vertical support members, rotatable horizontal support members, and movable massaging elements that can be repositioned along the support members. These dynamic features enable the device to adapt to different user configurations without requiring complete redesign, balancing versatility with controlled complexity.
2Reliability
If physical therapy devices require assistance from medical professionals, then therapy accuracy and reliability are improved, but ease of operation and independence are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed for self-service operation with user-adjustable features including height adjustments, angle modifications, and massaging element positioning that can be configured by the user themselves. The automated massaging mechanism operates independently once set up, eliminating the continuous need for professional assistance while maintaining therapy reliability through consistent, programmable motion patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The therapy device incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor user position and applied pressure, automatically adjusting massaging force and movement patterns to maintain therapeutic effectiveness. This feedback system ensures reliable therapy delivery while allowing independent operation, as the device self-corrects based on sensor data rather than requiring constant professional oversight.
3Reliability
If physical therapy cannot be performed at home, then therapy quality under professional supervision is maintained, but loss of time and reduced productivity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple therapy functions including vertical pressing, horizontal pressing, rotational massaging, and heat therapy in a single unit that can be deployed at home. This multi-functionality maintains comprehensive therapy quality while eliminating travel time to clinics and enabling consistent daily use without professional scheduling constraints, significantly reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The home-deployable device enables users to perform therapy independently without requiring professional presence, allowing treatment to be conducted at any convenient time. Users can adjust and operate the device themselves, eliminating scheduling delays and travel time while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness through automated control systems that ensure proper technique.
4Ease of operation
If faulty biomechanics are not corrected, then ease of operation is maintained, but injury risk and loss of time due to setbacks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates sensors and control systems that monitor user movement patterns and provide real-time feedback on biomechanical alignment. When improper form is detected, the system automatically adjusts massaging application points and intensity, or provides visual/audio cues to correct posture, maintaining ease of operation while preventing injury through continuous biomechanical monitoring and correction.
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
Enables unassisted and customizable physical therapy, reducing the need for medical professionals and enhancing self-directed rehabilitation by addressing muscular stiffness and pain through adjustable massaging points and stimulation modalities, thereby improving biomechanics and reducing injury risk.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating pulsed electric current and magnetic field stimulation
Implementation Method 2
incorporating pulsed electric current and magnetic field stimulation
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable physical therapy device that includes a massaging frame and massaging points. The massaging frame includes vertical support arms and horizontal support arms. The vertical support arms are positioned parallel to each other. The horizontal support arms are slidably coupled to the vertical support arms. The massaging points are each slidably coupled to and protrude from one of the horizontal support arms in a manner to press against a user when the user is positioned against the massaging frame. At least one of the massaging points includes a magnet positioned on an end of the massaging point. At least one of the massaging points includes an electrified end configured to provide pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. The vertical support arms each include a wheel. The wheel is rotatably coupled to the vertical support arm opposite the horizontal support arms.