Assistive Movement Device Load Redirection to Hip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional treatments for leg injuries below the knee, relying on crutches, hinder the recovery process by preventing a normal gait and extending rehabilitation time due to uneven load distribution.
Innovation Solution
An assistive movement device with a frame assembly featuring an upper member, lower member, and pivoting joint that redirects load from the foot to the hip, allowing for adjustable and controlled loading on the injured leg, enabling a normal gait during recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If crutches are used to minimize load on an injured leg, then the load on the injured leg is reduced, but the user cannot regain a normal gait and rehabilitation time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces an intermediary mechanical system (frame assembly with upper and lower members connected by a pivoting joint) between the user's body weight and the injured leg. This intermediary structure redirects the load path from the foot through the ankle to the thigh and hip, allowing controlled load management while enabling normal gait mechanics that accelerate rehabilitation
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables dynamic adjustment of load parameters on the injured leg during different phases of gait. The pivoting joint and frame assembly allow the load distribution to change continuously throughout the walking cycle, transitioning from load redirection at initial contact to gradual load bearing as the leg strengthens, thereby optimizing rehabilitation timing
2Reliability
If conventional crutch-based treatment is used, then protection of the injured leg is achieved, but normal gait is prevented and recovery is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from static protection (crutches that require non-weight bearing) to dynamic load management. The pivoting joint between upper and lower members allows the system to adapt continuously during movement, providing protection when needed while enabling normal gait mechanics when the leg is ready, making the device easier to operate naturally
Solution Approach 2:
The frame assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, redirects loads, allows full knee mobility, and enables normal gait patterns. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate crutches and casting, improving ease of operation while maintaining protection
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 individuals with leg injuries below the knee to walk with a normal gait while controlling the load on the injured leg, potentially reducing recovery time and promoting efficient healing.
Implementation Method 1
a pivoting joint therebetween... adjustably redirecting at least a portion of a load resulting from the individual standing and walking on a surface wherein the portion of the load is redirected from the base to the upper attachment through the upper member, the pivoting joint, and the lower member
Data Source
AI summary
Assistive movement devices and methods therefor are provided that are capable of redirecting loads from an individual's foot to hip when an individual is recovering from an injury at or below the knee. The devices include a frame assembly comprising an upper member, a lower member, and a joint therebetween. An upper attachment is secured to the upper member and is configured to be secured to the thigh of the individual's leg, and a lower attachment is secured to the lower member or the base and is configured to be secured to a portion of the leg below a knee thereof. A base is secured to the lower member and is configured to support a foot of the leg, and the device adjustably redirects at least a portion of a load resulting from the individual standing and walking from the base to the upper attachment.