Dynamic Range of Motion Orthosis with Segmented Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current physical therapy and resistance training techniques are limited in their ability to effectively rehabilitate muscular strength and range of motion in individuals with arm and shoulder paralysis, as they struggle to isolate weaker muscles from stronger ones and provide adequate anatomical positioning and prolonged stretching.
Innovation Solution
An orthotic device that provides adjustable forced motion in multiple degrees of freedom, including forearm supination/pronation, shoulder internal/external rotation, adduction/abduction, flexion/extension, and elbow motion, allowing for lockable positions and switching between locked and free states to focus exercise on weaker muscles while preventing stronger muscles from compensating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional resistance training equipment is used, then exercise can be performed, but stronger muscles compensate for weaker ones preventing effective rehabilitation
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic device segments the arm into multiple controllable sections (shoulder, elbow, wrist, forearm) with independent adjustable components. Each segment can be locked at specific angles or allowed to move freely, enabling precise control over which muscles are activated during exercise. This segmentation allows weaker muscles to be targeted without compensation from stronger muscles.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic locking mechanisms that can switch between locked and unlocked states for different degrees of freedom. This dynamic capability allows the orthosis to adapt during exercise, providing stability when needed and freedom of motion when required, thereby enabling effective muscle isolation and rehabilitation targeting.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the arm is placed in anatomical positions using traditional equipment, then stretching can be provided, but the arm may put more resistance than it is capable of moving
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic device uses counterbalancing mechanisms and adjustable positioning to offset the weight and resistance of the arm itself. By providing mechanical support and counteracting gravitational forces, the device enables prolonged stretching in anatomical positions without requiring the paralyzed arm to generate excessive force, thus preventing injury while maintaining therapeutic benefit.
3Reliability
If an orthosis provides control over rotational degrees of freedom, then muscular rehabilitation is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic device integrates multiple functions into a single system, combining support for various degrees of freedom (shoulder rotation, elbow flexion/extension, wrist movement, forearm pronation/supination) with locking, stretching, and exercise capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining comprehensive rehabilitation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a nested structural design where components are arranged hierarchically (shoulder assembly containing upper arm components, which contain elbow components, etc.). This nesting allows complex multi-degree-of-freedom control to be achieved through a compact, organized structure that manages complexity through systematic arrangement rather than scattered mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthosis provides a wearer at least one of forearm supination, forearm pronation, shoulder internal rotation, shoulder external rotation, shoulder adduction, shoulder abduction, shoulder flexion, shoulder extension, elbow flexion, and elbow extension. It includes a shoulder assembly adapted to be secured to a wearer's shoulder and an upper arm assembly connected to the shoulder assembly and adapted to be secured around a wearer's upper arm. The upper arm assembly defines an upper arm assembly axis. A wrist assembly is adapted to be secured around a wearer's wrist. The wrist assembly defines a wrist assembly axis. A splint arm assembly includes an upper splint arm, a lower splint arm, and a pivot pivotally connecting the upper splint arm to the lower splint arm. The upper splint arm adjustably connects to the upper arm assembly and the lower split, arm adjustably connects to the wrist assembly.