Elastic Garment Suspension for Ambulation Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ambulation therapy devices are heavy, expensive, and uncomfortable due to their large size and the use of air or harnesses for buoyancy, which can be dangerous and inefficient for users, especially in rehabilitation and athletic training settings.
Innovation Solution
A combination of a suspension frame and garment that distributes the user's weight effectively, using elastic fabric for ambulation and integrated support panels to lift the user, along with a vertically movable waist-level ring and a low-friction plate for adjustable resistance, allowing for comfortable and safe ambulation without the need for a large treadmill.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If air or harnesses are used for buoyancy to support user weight, then weight bearing is reduced, but safety and comfort deteriorate due to dangerous and inefficient suspension methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastic garment made of flexible fabric material that wraps around the user's lower body to provide suspension support. This replaces dangerous air or harness-based systems with a comfortable, conforming flexible shell that distributes weight bearing forces evenly across the thighs and buttocks, maintaining safety while reducing joint and muscle strain.
2Ease of operation
If straps and fabric are used to secure the user, then suspension is achieved, but comfort deteriorates due to pressing into the body
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic garment functions as a flexible shell that conforms to the user's body contours, distributing suspension forces over a large surface area of the thighs and buttocks. This eliminates the need for concentrated straps and fabric that press into the body, providing secure suspension while maintaining comfort during use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical treadmill is included to enable ambulation, then therapy functionality is improved, but device weight and size increase making it expensive and impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the treadmill component from the suspension system, providing ambulation therapy by allowing the user to walk on the ground while suspended. This separation eliminates the need for a heavy mechanical treadmill, significantly reducing device weight and cost while maintaining the core ambulation therapy functionality through the combination of ground-based walking and upper body suspension 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 solution provides a comfortable, efficient, and cost-effective means for ambulation therapy and training by minimizing joint and muscle strain, allowing users to move freely while reducing pressure and the need for expensive equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The garment comprises an elastic fabric such that the user can ambulate freely
Implementation Method 2
several integrated support panels comprised of a less elastic material, such that due to their resistance to deformation the support panels integrate with the frame and lift the user
Implementation Method 3
The device can also include a low-friction plate that is positionable under the user's feet, enabling the user to ambulate in place, sliding against the low-friction plate
Data Source
AI summary
A garment attachable to an exercise or therapeutic apparatus that is capable of elevating the user slightly above the ground, reducing potential for injury and strain by shifting the user's weight to the frame of the apparatus. The garment is incorporated into the apparatus by comprising panels under the buttocks and around the thighs, providing balance and lifting the user comfortably in conjunction with the frame. A low-friction plate is positioned under the user's feet so that the user can ambulate freely while held in place by the frame.