Conformable Controller Spanning Joints for Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device controllers, such as toy and game controllers, are not customizable and do not span across joints, making them poorly suited for physical therapy, which can discourage child participation due to uncomfortable fitting systems.
Innovation Solution
A device controller with a conformable fitting system that spans across joints, featuring a pivot point and a sensor to determine relative positioning, allowing for a customizable and comfortable fit, and electronically communicates with devices to control them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a controller is designed with a fixed or universal configuration, then manufacturing and standardization are simplified, but the controller cannot provide a custom fit for different users and is not suitable for physical therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The controller incorporates a conformable fitting system with flexible members that can dynamically adapt to different body shapes and joint configurations. The fitting system includes flexible members that can be positioned and secured around various joints, allowing the same controller to conform to different users' anatomical structures without requiring custom manufacturing for each user.
2Reliability
If a controller is designed to span across joints for physical therapy, then therapy effectiveness is improved, but the fitting system becomes complex and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses flexible members that can be positioned and secured around joints to span across them for therapy. These flexible members are designed to be comfortable against the skin and can conform to the joint's shape, providing stable positioning without the need for complex rigid structures or uncomfortable rigid braces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a controller is designed to span across joints, then physical therapy capability is enabled, but the controller cannot be easily customized to different users
Solution Approach 1:
The conformable fitting system allows the controller to be easily customized to different users by simply repositioning the flexible members to accommodate different joint locations and body shapes. The flexible nature of the members enables them to be molded around various anatomical structures without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or professional fitting procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller with a conformable fitting system is configured for controlling a device, such as a toy or game, is pliable, flexible and cushioning to provide a custom fit of the device controller to the body part of the patient or user. The device controller spans across a joint, such as a wrist, and includes a pivot between preferably two main portions. The rotation axis of the device controller is aligned with the pivot axis of the joint to receive the physical therapy. A sensor, such as a digital encoder, is located proximal thereto to determine the relative positioning of the main portions to each other. The sensor electronically communicates with the device, such as a toy or game, to serve as a controller therefor.