Body Weight Support System with Dynamic Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current body-weight support systems for rehabilitation therapies are limited by their inability to provide customizable and dynamic support, often obstructing therapist-patient interaction, requiring excessive patient effort, and leading to abnormal compensatory movements and muscle activation patterns due to static unloading and delayed response times.
Innovation Solution
A body-weight support system with a track-based design featuring a movable support unit, horizontal and vertical force sensors, and a control system that dynamically adjusts the supportive force, allowing for customizable exercise modes and multiple units to operate on a single track without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If static unloading with fixed strap length is used, then the support system is simple to operate, but it produces abnormal ground reaction forces and altered muscle activation patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic unloading where the strap length is continuously adjusted based on real-time detection of patient movement and force requirements. The microprocessor controls the strap length dynamically during therapy sessions, allowing the system to adapt to changing patient needs and maintain normal muscle activation patterns while keeping the interface simple for therapists.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates force sensors and microprocessors that continuously monitor patient force application and provide feedback control. This closed-loop system detects when abnormal ground reaction forces occur and automatically adjusts strap tension and length to correct the issue, preventing harmful effects while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
2Device complexity
If the support system follows patient movement with delayed response, then the system structure is simple, but the patient exerts excessive force to overcome system delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs real-time feedback control using force sensors and microprocessors that detect patient movement and force requirements instantaneously. This closed-loop system eliminates delayed response by continuously monitoring patient effort and adjusting support forces in real-time, reducing the excessive force patients must exert while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through efficient control algorithms.
3Device complexity
If fixed strap length is used in static unloading, then the device complexity is reduced, but the patient's vertical excursions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic strap length adjustment where the microprocessor continuously modifies strap length based on detected patient movement and therapy requirements. This dynamic system enables full vertical excursions including steps and stairs while maintaining manageable device complexity through automated control rather than complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of strap length automatically without requiring manual intervention from therapists or patients. The microprocessor and force sensors work together to autonomously optimize strap length for each patient's specific movements and therapy needs, expanding vertical excursion capabilities while keeping the device relatively simple through intelligent self-regulation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple support units operate on a single track, then the system versatility increases, but collision and interference between units may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates inter-unit communication and feedback control where each support unit monitors the positions and movements of other units on the shared track. This coordinated feedback system allows multiple units to operate simultaneously without collision by dynamically adjusting speeds and positions based on real-time information from neighboring units, enabling versatile multi-patient operation while maintaining high reliability through automated safety protocols.
Data Source
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AI summary
A body-weight support system is disclosed, including an improved body weight support apparatus and method. The system enables not only the support of patients undergoing rehabilitation therapies, but exercise modes that are both customizable and dynamic in nature, including alternative functionality at differing locations.