Ankle Exercise Device With Rotational Resistance Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ankle strengthening methods using resistance bands in physical therapy settings face challenges such as difficulty in proper band placement, inconsistent tension, and compensatory movements at the hip joint, leading to patient non-compliance and increased risk of re-injury when performing home exercises without supervision.
Innovation Solution
An ankle exercise device with a rotational component and heel rest that allows for secure placement and consistent tension of resistance bands, enabling exercises in all four directional planes without manual resistance band holding, and accommodating various foot sizes, thereby standardizing workload and facilitating measurable strength gains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resistance bands are used for ankle strengthening at home, then patients can maintain gains and progress towards strength goals, but patients experience difficulty with proper band placement, inconsistent tension, and compensatory movements leading to non-compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces a frame structure as an intermediary between the patient and resistance bands. The frame includes a base, vertical member, and resistance band attachment device that serves as a mediator to properly position and tension the resistance bands, eliminating the need for patients to manually manage band placement while maintaining exercise effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance band attachment device enables self-service by allowing the resistance bands to be automatically positioned and tensioned through the mechanical structure of the frame. The footrest and attachment mechanism work together to self-adjust the band configuration, freeing the patient from manual band management tasks
2Measurement precision
If resistance bands are used for ankle strengthening, then muscle isolation and proper body mechanics can be achieved with therapist assistance, but patients experience inconsistent resistance band tension preventing standardization and quantification of load
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance band attachment device allows for controlled adjustment of resistance band tension parameters. The mechanical connection points on the frame enable precise positioning of the bands, allowing tension to be standardized and quantified through repeatable attachment configurations rather than varying manual tensioning
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides a stable base, positions the resistance bands, maintains consistent tension, and allows for standardized loading. This multi-functional design ensures that the same tension and load parameters can be reliably reproduced across different exercise sessions
3Ease of operation
If resistance bands are used for ankle strengthening, then specific muscle isolation can be achieved with appropriate lever arm, but patients experience compensatory unwanted movement at the hip joint limiting ankle strengthening
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the exercise system into distinct functional components: the frame provides stable support, the footrest isolates the ankle joint, and the resistance band attachment device targets specific muscle groups. This segmentation allows the ankle to be isolated from compensatory hip movements by providing a stable base and controlled resistance application point
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 enables patients to perform effective ankle exercises in all directional planes, improving stability and mobility, reducing the risk of re-injury and promoting consistent progress in ankle strengthening and rehabilitation.
Implementation Method 1
resistance bands used to resist the motion of the forefoot in either the horizontal or vertical directions
Implementation Method 2
The rotational component rotates 90° between the horizontal and vertical orientations
Implementation Method 3
The hinge assembly allows the heel support plate to rotate downward in the plantarflexion direction
Data Source
AI summary
An ankle exercise device comprises a base frame, a heel rest, a rotational component, and a plurality of resistance bands. The resistance bands may be connected to the rotational component. The rotational component rotates 90 degrees to orient the resistance bands in either a horizontal or vertical direction. The heel rest may comprise a u-shaped cutout to cup a user's heel. The heel rest is adjustable to align the heads of a user's metatarsals between the resistance bands. With the resistance bands in the horizontal direction, the user may rotate the ankle in the plantarflexion and dorsiflexion directions. With the resistance bands in the vertical direction, the user may rotate the ankle in the inversion and eversion directions.