Collapsible Parallel Bars for Physical Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current walking rail assemblies for individuals with lower extremity disabilities are limited by their size, weight, and inability to be easily disassembled and transported, restricting their use to physical therapy gyms or rehabilitation hospitals, as they are difficult to transport and store due to their fixed nature.
Innovation Solution
A portable parallel walking bar assembly composed of five lightweight, collapsible components, including telescopic horizontal rails and adjustable support stanchions with snap pins and locking screws, allowing for rapid assembly, disassembly, and storage, enabling use in various settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the parallel bars are made fixed in one location, then the stability and structural integrity are improved, but the portability and ease of transport are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel bar assembly is divided into multiple segments including collapsible horizontal bars and adjustable support stanchions that can be disconnected. This segmentation allows the device to be disassembled into manageable parts for transport while maintaining structural integrity when assembled for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel bars incorporate collapsible horizontal bars with telescopic sections and adjustable support stanchions with height-adjustable legs. These dynamic components can transition between extended and retracted states, enabling the device to adapt between a stable assembled configuration and a compact transport configuration.
2Volume of moving object
If the parallel bars are collapsed to minimize footprint, then the storage space requirement is improved, but the assembly complexity and time are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible horizontal bars utilize a telescopic design where one section is inserted within another, similar to nested dolls. This nesting mechanism allows the bars to collapse to a fraction of their extended length for storage while providing a straightforward assembly process where sections are simply pulled apart and locked into place.
3Weight of moving object
If the parallel bars are made lightweight for easy transport, then the portability is improved, but the load-bearing capacity and structural strength are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel bar assembly utilizes composite construction combining lightweight aluminum or alloy materials for the bars and stanchions, with strategic reinforcement at connection points and load-bearing areas. This composite approach maintains overall lightness while ensuring sufficient strength to support user weight during rehabilitation exercises.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable parallel walking bar assembly is provided which is intended for use in a variety of settings due to the uniquely designed ability to rapidly assemble, disassemble, transport and store the apparatus when not in use. This particular design is made of five lightweight individual parts which may be assembled to form a stable support structure. Two of the segments are each of the parallel bars which in this design are collapsible in length and allow for variation in length. The bars extend to a length of 8.5 feet and collapse to a length of only 4 feet. The remaining three parts of the system are the support stanchions which the horizontal bars attach to for stabilization and their useful intended height of 24 to 40 inches. Each support stanchion consists of a flat cross-member, with beveled edge, which spans the width of the assembled system and provides the base of support. On both ends of each cross-member, a vertical support extends up and is adjustable in height. The vertical supports each connect to the horizontal rails in such a way that the assembled system is stable and secure for rehabilitation purposes, specifically for persons with physical disability to apply force through the rails to support their body weight as needed while walking.