Dual-Pivoting Therapy Device With Adjustable Friction Handles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current occupational therapy devices are limited in their ability to provide a versatile and efficient means of treating soft tissues in the upper extremities, often requiring multiple devices to address various muscle groups and motions, which can be cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional therapy device with a dual-pivoting design and adjustable attachments that provide 2-3 degrees of freedom, allowing for interchangeable handles and adjustable resistance, enabling a wide range of motion paths to target specific soft tissues effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate therapy devices are used to target different muscle groups and motions, then the ability to address various therapeutic needs is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The therapy device incorporates multiple pivotable connections (first and second pivotable connections) that enable a single device to perform multiple therapeutic functions by adjusting the configuration of handles and risers, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into modular components including interchangeable handles, adjustable risers, and pivotable connections, allowing each component to be independently configured for different therapeutic applications while maintaining overall system versatility
2Device complexity
If a single multifunctional therapy device is used to reduce device complexity and cost, then the number of devices required decreases, but the adaptability to address various therapeutic needs may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements including pivotable connections with adjustable friction, interchangeable handles, and adjustable risers, enabling dynamic adaptation to various therapeutic needs while maintaining a single device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The therapy device allows modification of operational parameters such as friction levels at pivotable connections, handle configurations, and riser positions, enabling the same physical device to deliver different therapeutic effects for various muscle groups and motions
3Ease of operation
If the pivotable connections are designed to rotate freely for maximum range of motion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to provide desired resistance for therapeutic effect is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The friction at each pivotable connection is made adjustable, allowing the device to transition between free rotation for maximum range of motion and controlled rotation with desired friction for therapeutic resistance, with each connection independently adjustable
Data Source
AI summary
A therapy device aids an occupational therapist in soft tissue recovery and development. The device includes an attachment base which anchors to a table or other support surface, a riser pivotably connected to the base with 2-3 degrees of freedom, and a handle connected to the riser with an additional 2-3 degrees of freedom. Each pivotable connection can be adjusted to rotate freely or with a desired level of friction, or can be locked in a desired configuration. Multiple interchangeable handles may be included to adjust the patient-device interface, e.g., unilateral or bilateral engagement. Height adjustments may also be provided. The dual-pivoting design and adjustability of the device facilitates applications for a wide variety of patients with varying therapeutic needs, such that the device provides a highly.