Wearable Device Elastic Cord Torso Anchor Gait Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional assistive devices for mobility issues, such as canes, walkers, and orthotics, are restrictive, cause pressure on the feet, and limit ankle and foot movement, failing to provide effective support for individuals with conditions like foot drop or balance issues.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device utilizing elastic cords anchored to both shoes, wrapped around the torso, and aligned to run laterally and medially alongside the legs, providing bilateral reciprocating tension to enhance gait, balance, and reduce pressure on the feet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard assistive devices such as canes, walkers, and crutches are used, then balance and movement assistance is provided, but the devices are restrictive and require the use of the arms to support the weight of the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the weight support function from the upper body (arms) and relocates it to the lower body (legs and feet) through elastic cords anchored to the shoes. This allows users to receive balance assistance without requiring arm strength or using traditional assistive devices that mandate arm support.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic cords act as intermediaries between the user's leg movements and the support mechanism. The cords transmit forces generated by natural gait movements to provide balance assistance, mediating the interaction between the user's body and the support system without requiring direct mechanical contact or arm engagement.
2Reliability
If leg support devices such as braces and splints are used, then rigid support is provided, but movement of the lower leg, ankle, and foot is limited leading to further weakness of the muscles and structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible elastic cords instead of rigid braces and splints. These elastic cords provide dynamic support that adapts to the user's natural movements, allowing ankle and foot motion while maintaining structural support. The flexibility of the elastic cords prevents the muscle weakness and atrophy caused by rigid constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system transitions from static rigid structures to dynamic elastic cords that respond in real-time to the user's gait cycle. The elastic cords provide variable support forces that accommodate natural ankle and foot movements, enabling adaptability while maintaining reliability through the elastic recovery force.
3Ease of operation
If devices with straps attached to the shoe via the shoe laces and pull from the waistband are used, then leg lifting is achieved, but pressure is put on the hip and waist creating side pull, negatively affecting pelvic tilt and rotation, as well as creating excess pressure on the structures of the foot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure application points from the upper body (hip and waist) and relocates them to the lower body (feet and ankles) through shoe-anchored elastic cords. This redistribution eliminates the harmful side pull on the pelvis and reduces pressure on the foot structures by providing support at the actual point of need during gait.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of pulling the leg upward from the waistband as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the approach by anchoring to the shoes and allowing the elastic cords to work with the natural downward and forward motion of the foot during gait. This inversion transforms the mechanism from a restrictive pull to a supportive reciprocating tension system.
4Reliability
If ankle-foot orthosis with static or semi-static connections are used, then foot drop management is provided, but the devices are limited in effectiveness and ability to be worn for extended timeframes due to pressure on the skin and circulatory structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid static connections with flexible elastic cords that distribute forces more evenly across the foot and ankle. This flexibility reduces concentrated pressure on the skin and circulatory structures, enabling extended wear periods while maintaining effective foot drop management through continuous, adaptive support.
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 device allows for a natural and balanced stride, reduces the 'knee snap' and 'hip-hike' gait patterns, improves posture, and increases comfort during long walks by leveraging the body's natural motion and reducing stress on affected limbs.
Implementation Method 1
The device may include an anchor component configured to wrap around a torso of a user, a first elastic cord and a second elastic cord... at least a portion of the first elastic cord and the second elastic cord is disposed on the anchor component
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable device for assisting in the movement of lower limbs comprising an anchor component configured to encircle the torso of a user and be supported by the shoulders through a harness/suspender that provides both postural support and proprioceptive input is described herein. The wearable device may have one or more elastic cords disposed on the anchor component and a means for aligning the one or more elastic cords. Each cord may have a first and second attachment component on each end, which may attach to a first shoe and a second shoe of the user. Lowering the cord end by the attachment component may cause the other cord end to rise.