Dynamic Body Weight Support System with Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current body-weight support systems for rehabilitation are limited by fixed strap lengths, leading to abnormal ground reaction forces and muscle activation patterns, and often require significant delays in response, causing patients to develop compensatory movements that can destabilize them when they transition to self-supported activities.
Innovation Solution
A body-weight support system with a track structure and sensors that dynamically adjust the vertical and horizontal forces applied to a strap, allowing for customizable and configurable exercise modes, enabling precise control of the support force and movement to minimize interference with the therapist and reduce the risk of falls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed strap lengths are used in support systems, then the system structure is simple, but abnormal ground reaction forces and altered muscle activation patterns occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic strap length adjustment through motorized winches that continuously modify strap length based on real-time sensing of patient position and force. This transforms the static fixed-length strap system into a dynamic system that adapts to patient movement, eliminating abnormal ground reaction forces while maintaining therapeutic benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of strap length from a fixed value to a variable parameter that can be continuously adjusted. By controlling the winch mechanism, the strap length becomes a dynamic parameter that responds to patient needs, preventing harmful mechanical effects while preserving system simplicity through automated control.
2Reliability
If the system is programmed to follow patient movement, then patient safety is improved, but significant delays in system response occur causing compensatory movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system using load cells and position sensors that continuously monitor patient force and movement. This feedback is processed by a controller that immediately adjusts winch motor commands, creating a rapid response loop that eliminates dangerous delays while maintaining patient safety through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces purely mechanical follow-up mechanisms with an electronically controlled winch system driven by motor actuators. This substitution of mechanical passive following with active electronic control enables much faster response times, reducing the lag between patient movement and system compensation while maintaining safety.
3Ease of operation
If static unloading systems are used, then the supporting strap length is fixed, but the patient cannot perform vertical excursions such as steps and stairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static strap length of traditional unloading systems into a dynamic, continuously adjustable length through motorized winches. This enables the system to accommodate vertical excursions like steps and stairs by automatically adjusting strap length in real-time, while maintaining the ease of operation through automated control rather than manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by combining fixed-length simplicity with variable-length capability. The automated winch control allows the same system to provide stable fixed-length support during level walking and dynamically adjust for vertical excursions, making the system universally applicable to various therapeutic exercises without requiring manual reconfiguration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple support devices are used on a single track, then therapy versatility is improved, but collision or interference between adjacent units may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements inter-unit feedback communication where each support device monitors the position and status of adjacent units on the track. This feedback mechanism enables real-time coordination between multiple devices, allowing them to adjust their movement and positioning to prevent collisions while maintaining high therapy versatility through coordinated operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a safe and effective means of rehabilitation by dynamically adjusting support forces, reducing the risk of falls and abnormal movement patterns, allowing for more intense and varied therapy sessions while minimizing the development of compensatory movements.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor for detecting a horizontal force applied to the support via the strap
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor for sensing a vertical force applied to the strap
Data Source
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.