Ankle Resistance Training Apparatus with Electromagnetic Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for ankle rehabilitation, such as functional electric stimulation and manual trainers, do not allow users with hemiplegia to actively move their ankles and apply resistance, limiting muscle strength improvement.
Innovation Solution
An ankle muscle resistance-training apparatus with a support member, movement guiding shafts, and adjustable resistance force application parts using electromagnets, enabling active ankle movement and adjustable resistance to enhance muscle strength by inducing angle changes during walking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If passive range of motion training is used (therapist-manual trainer), then ankle joint movement range is provided, but muscle strength improvement is limited due to lack of resistance force
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus transitions from static passive training to dynamic active training by enabling the user to actively move their ankle while the system dynamically applies adjustable resistance force through electromagnetic actuators, allowing simultaneous improvement of both movement capability and muscle strength
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of resistance force from zero (in passive training) to adjustable non-zero values, allowing the user to experience resistance during active ankle movement and thereby improve muscle strength while maintaining ease of operation through controlled force application
2Ease of operation
If no resistance force is applied during training, then active ankle movement is enabled, but muscle strength improvement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies resistance force dynamically during active ankle movement rather than statically, allowing the user to maintain active movement capability while experiencing variable resistance that adapts to the movement phase and user capability, thereby improving muscle strength without compromising ease of operation
3Strength
If multiple resistance force application parts are added, then resistance training capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance training system is segmented into multiple independent resistance force application parts, each targeting specific ankle movement planes (dorsiflexion/plantarflexion, inversion/eversion, abduction/adduction). This segmentation allows resistance to be applied independently in each degree of freedom, improving overall resistance training capability while keeping each individual component relatively simple and modular
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed with multi-functional capability to provide resistance training for all three planes of ankle movement through the combination of multiple resistance force application parts, allowing a single device to serve multiple training purposes without requiring separate apparatus for each movement type
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 apparatus effectively enhances ankle muscle strength by applying adjustable resistance forces during active ankle movement, improving gait stability and rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with lower limb paralysis or muscle weakness.
Implementation Method 1
a first brake applying a braking force to the rotating disk using an electromagnet
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention addresses the technical problem of providing an ankle muscle resistance-training apparatus which induces an angle change of the ankle while the ankle is actively moving, and can improve strength of the ankle muscle by applying resistance force to the ankle movement. To this end, the ankle muscle resistance-training apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a support member; a first movement guiding shaft; an intermediate member; a second movement guiding shaft; a foot support; a first resistance force application part; and a second resistance force application part. The first resistance force application part is linked with the first movement guiding shaft and applies resistance force of an adjustable intensity against the active ankle movement of a user made with respect to the first movement guiding shaft in a state in which the foot is placed on the foot support, and the second resistance force application part is linked with the second movement guiding shaft and applies resistance force of an adjustable intensity against the active ankle movement of a user made with respect to the second movement guiding shaft in the state in which the foot is placed on the foot support.