Body Weight Support System with Powered Conductor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing body weight support systems for gait therapy are limited by static unloading, inability to continuously adjust support, bulky motorized trolleys, and cable management issues, which hinder effective over-ground gait training and stability for patients with neurological injuries.
Innovation Solution
A body weight support system with a powered conductor, trolley, and patient attachment mechanism, featuring a drive system, control system, and patient support mechanism that dynamically adjusts to applied forces, allowing continuous modulation of support and minimizing falls through real-time feedback and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If static unloading systems are used with fixed shoulder strap length, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot continuously adjust support and results in abnormal ground reaction forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static shoulder strap system into a dynamic one by introducing a motorized trolley that can actively adjust its position along the overhead rail. The trolley is equipped with a motor drive system that enables continuous adjustment of the support force applied to the patient, allowing the system to adapt to varying patient needs and movement phases during gait training.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous change of the support parameter by varying the motorized trolley's position and applied force. The control system can modulate the unloading percentage dynamically during therapy sessions, transitioning from static fixed-length straps to a system where the support force is a variable parameter that can be adjusted in real-time based on patient performance and therapeutic goals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If motorized trolleys are used to provide dynamic support adjustment, then continuous modulation of support is achieved, but the trolley becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the support function into separate modular components: the motorized drive system, the patient support mechanism, and the control system are distinct modules that can be independently adjusted and maintained. This segmentation allows the complex functions to be distributed across multiple simpler subsystems rather than requiring a single bulky integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the overhead vertical space by suspending the trolley from ceiling-mounted rails, moving the support mechanism out of the ground plane. This dimensional relocation allows the motorized trolley to operate in three-dimensional space above the patient, reducing ground-level clutter and enabling therapist access without the bulk of ground-based support structures.
3Ease of operation
If overhead rail systems are used to support the trolley, then therapist access to patient is improved, but the system requires significant ceiling height and installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead rail system serves multiple functions: it supports the motorized trolley, provides structural anchoring for the support mechanism, and creates an open therapy space. The same overhead structure that holds the support system also defines the therapy area and facilitates therapist movement around the patient, maximizing the utility of the installation space.
4Reliability
If body weight support systems are used for gait therapy, then fall risk is minimized and training intensity is raised, but transitions from treadmill to over-ground training are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized trolley acts as an intermediary support device that can accompany the patient during over-ground gait training. Unlike fixed treadmill systems, the trolley moves with the patient along the overhead rail, providing dynamic weight support that adapts to the patient's movement. This intermediary support enables safe transition to over-ground training while maintaining the benefits of body weight support.
Data Source
AI summary
A body weight support system includes a trolley, a powered conductor operatively coupled to a power supply, and a patient attachment mechanism. The trolley can include a drive system, a control system, and a patient support system. The drive system is movably coupled to a support rail. At least a portion of the control system is physically and electrically coupled to the powered conductor. The patient support mechanism is at least temporarily coupled to the patient attachment mechanism. The control system can control at least a portion of the patient support mechanism based at least in part on a force applied to the patient attachment mechanism.