FES Step Trainer Servo Control for Gait Rehabilitation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current gait training technologies for neurological impairments, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries, are expensive, labor-intensive, and limited in functional gains, often requiring specialized environments and trained therapists, with existing robotic systems like Lokomat and Gait Trainer showing only modest improvements in gait speed and motor function.
Innovation Solution
A functional electrical stimulation (FES) step and stand system with footplates connected to a primary drive motor and servos, controlled by a computer and six-channel stimulator, allowing for controlled movement and electrical stimulation of muscles to enhance muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance, and neuro-plasticity driven locomotor patterning, usable in both clinical and home-based settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If robotic BWSTT systems like Lokomat or Gait Trainer are used to automate locomotor training, then therapist labor is reduced and training duration is increased, but functional gains are limited and device complexity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) with functional electrical stimulation (FES) into an integrated system. The FES components are embedded within the treadmill setup, allowing simultaneous mechanical assistance and electrical muscle stimulation without requiring separate complex robotic exoskeletons. This merging approach achieves enhanced functional gains while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for body weight unloading, delivers electrical stimulation to paralyzed muscles, enables gait training, and allows standing training. This multi-functionality is achieved through a modular design where the FES stimulator can work with the treadmill mechanism to provide comprehensive rehabilitation in a single system, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Strength
If manual BWSTT with therapist assistance is used, then functional electrical stimulation can be applied to enhance muscle strength, but therapist labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service rehabilitation by allowing patients to perform training exercises independently with minimal therapist intervention. The automated FES delivery and treadmill control mechanisms provide the necessary assistance without requiring continuous manual therapy, reducing therapist labor while maintaining effective muscle stimulation for strength enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit monitors patient responses to electrical stimulation and adjusts stimulation parameters accordingly. This automated feedback loop ensures optimal muscle strength enhancement without requiring constant therapist assessment and manual adjustment, thereby reducing therapist labor intensity while maintaining training effectiveness.
3Extent of automation
If specialized center-based environments with robotic exoskeletons are used for gait training, then automated training is achieved, but cost and accessibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential FES components from complex robotic exoskeleton systems and integrates them with a simpler body weight supported treadmill setup. By taking out only the necessary electrical stimulation elements and combining them with existing treadmill technology, the system achieves automated training capabilities without requiring the full complexity and expense of specialized robotic exoskeleton environments.
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 effectively increases muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance, and walking abilities of individuals with neurological impairments, providing safe and effective long-term gait training, reducing therapist labor and environmental requirements, and improving motor function and balance.
Implementation Method 1
a control unit that manages a computer and a six channel stimulator. The control unit has electrical stimulation leads that connect to electrodes that deliver an electrical impulse to a patient's muscles
Data Source
AI summary
A functional electrical stimulation step and stand system comprising two footplates (left and right) connected to a primary drive motor that cause the footplates to move in a reciprocal motion. The footplates are further connected to corresponding servos, which allow for control of the movement of the footplate with respect to an axis. system comprises an electrical stimulation control unit. The stimulation step and stand system further comprises a control unit that has electrical stimulation leads connected to electrodes that deliver an electrical impulse to a patient's muscles. In a further embodiment, the control unit has one or more wireless stimulators.