Multi-Axis Ankle Rehabilitation Mechanism for Automated Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional rehabilitation methods for hemiplegic patients, particularly for ankle joint rehabilitation, are time-consuming and lack adequate training intensity due to manual operation, which hinders effective recovery.

Innovation Solution

A rehabilitation training apparatus with a multi-freedom movement system comprising a working platform with Z-axis, Y-axis, and X-axis rotating mechanisms, along with a pedal mechanism, that allows for automated and synchronized movement of the ankle joint, enhancing training efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual rehabilitation by physical therapist is used, then personalized attention and feedback are provided, but training time consumption increases and training intensity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual operationVSAvoidtraining efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of physical therapist operation with an automated mechanical rehabilitation device. The device uses motor-driven rotating mechanisms to provide passive motion exercise, substituting human physical effort with mechanical automation. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining the rehabilitation function while eliminating the time consumption and intensity limitations of manual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The rehabilitation device enables self-service rehabilitation training through automated control systems. The device can operate independently without continuous manual intervention, allowing patients to receive consistent rehabilitation training at any time. This resolves the contradiction by providing both personalized attention through programmable protocols and high training efficiency through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual rehabilitation operation is used, then flexibility in training adjustment is maintained, but adequate training intensity and time cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidtraining time and intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic training protocols through programmable control systems that can adjust training parameters in real-time. The device offers multiple training modes (active, passive, resistive) and can modify speed, range of motion, and resistance dynamically during exercise. This resolves the contradiction by providing both flexibility through programmable adjustments and adequate training intensity through sustained automated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rehabilitation device utilizes parameter changes in motor control to achieve varied training intensities and durations. By programmatically adjusting speed, torque, and exercise duration parameters, the device can deliver customized high-intensity training regimens that would be difficult to maintain manually. This resolves the contradiction by enabling flexible parameter adjustment while ensuring adequate training time and intensity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multi-freedom movement mechanism is implemented, then comprehensive ankle joint rehabilitation is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-freedom movement capabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex multi-freedom movement mechanism into three independent rotating mechanisms (X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis), each responsible for specific ankle joint movements. This modular segmentation allows comprehensive rehabilitation coverage while managing complexity through functional decomposition. Each mechanism can be controlled independently, simplifying the overall control architecture despite the multi-degree-of-freedom capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal rotating mechanism design where a single integrated platform can perform multiple rehabilitation functions through coordinated rotation of three mechanisms. The same mechanical structure supports active exercise, passive exercise, and resistive exercise modes, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for each function. This resolves the contradiction by achieving comprehensive rehabilitation capability through a unified multi-functional platform rather than multiple specialized mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3613398B1Ankle rehabilitation training device
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 WANG CHUNBAO
  • EP3613398B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3613398B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3613398B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Provided is a rehabilitation training apparatus for an ankle joint, which includes a working platform, a Z-axis rotating mechanism erected on the working platform and rotating around a Z axis of the working platform, a Y-axis rotating mechanism connected with the Z-axis rotating mechanism and rotating around a Y axis of the working platform, an X-axis rotating mechanism connected with the Y-axis rotating mechanism and rotating around an X axis of the working platform, and a pedal arranged on a lower end of the X-axis rotating mechanism and parallel to a desktop of the working platform. The Y-axis rotating mechanism includes an annular bracket vertically fastened to a driving arm of the Z-axis rotating mechanism, an annular sliding cover slidably disposed on one side wall of the annular bracket, a Y-axis driving mechanism for driving the annular sliding cover to rotate around the axis of the annular bracket, and a sliding block for locating the annular sliding cover. The Y-axis driving mechanism synchronously rotates with the annular sliding cover and the X-axis rotating mechanism is fastened to one side of the annular sliding cover.