Articulating Joint Exercise Apparatus with Slide Brake for Hyperextension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rehabilitation techniques for mammalian joints, particularly knee joints, are inadequate in extending and holding joints past their normal range of motion to address restricted motion due to injury or degeneration.
Innovation Solution
A portable articulating joint exercise apparatus with a slide and brake system that allows for hyperextension and hyperflexion beyond the normal range, using a friction-reducing bearing surface and a body-engaging mounting fixture to attach to the user's limb, enabling static stretches at anatomically limited terminal ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional rehabilitation techniques are used, then the joint can be exercised within normal range of motion, but the joint cannot be extended or held past restricted motion to achieve full range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs a dynamic system where the slide can move along the rail to different positions, allowing the joint to be taken through its full range of motion including hyperextension and hyperflexion. The movable mounting fixture adapts to different joint positions during rehabilitation exercise
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus changes the parameter of joint motion range by enabling movement beyond the normal anatomical limits into hyperextension and hyperflexion territories. The brake system changes the state from dynamic motion to static holding at desired positions
2Ease of operation
If the joint is moved beyond normal range of motion, then full active range of motion can be achieved, but the joint position cannot be held static for sustained stretches
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system changes the state parameter from dynamic to static, allowing the joint to be held at extended positions for prolonged periods. This enables sustained static stretches that were not possible with conventional dynamic exercise equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The user themselves actuates the brake mechanism to hold the joint position, making the system self-servicing without requiring external assistance or complex automated holding mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If a portable apparatus is used, then the device can be easily positioned and used, but the structure must be simplified which may reduce functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is segmented into distinct functional components: the rail provides guidance, the slide provides movement and braking, and the mounting fixture provides attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be simple while the combination provides full functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The slide assembly serves multiple functions: it moves along the rail, positions the mounting fixture, provides braking capability, and supports the joint. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, maintaining portability while ensuring full functionality
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 effective rehabilitation by allowing users to achieve full active range of motion, improving joint mobility beyond restricted ranges through controlled and sustained stretches.
Implementation Method 1
The slide has a friction-reducing bearing surface configured for reciprocating movement along the rail
Data Source
AI summary
An articulating joint exercise apparatus is provided having a portable structural frame, a slide, a body-engaging mounting fixture, and a brake. The slide has a friction-reducing bearing surface configured for movement along the rail extending between a range corresponding with extension and retraction of a user limb and associated user joint that exceeds an end range for a user under rehabilitation corresponding with hyperextension and hyperflexion. The body-engaging mounting fixture is affixed for articulation to the slide and is configured to attach to a user limb of a user joint. The brake is carried by the slide and is configured to be actuated by a user to affix the slide and body-engaging mounting fixture at one of an anatomically limited terminal range with a static stretch of a user joint when a limb of a user joint is affixed to the mounting fixture. A method is also provided.