Finger-Assisted Training Device Linkage Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stroke rehabilitation methods rely heavily on one-on-one training, which is costly and passive, failing to ensure intensity and effectiveness in restoring hand motor function.

Innovation Solution

A finger-assisted training device comprising a support plate, sliding rod, electric cylinder, link mechanism, and single-finger drive mechanism, allowing for synchronous and sequential finger training with adjustable weights and feedback from a pressure sensor, enabling various training modes and autonomous recovery exercises.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If one-on-one hand-on-hand rehabilitation training is provided by doctors, nurses or family members, then patients can receive personalized guidance, but the training is costly and makes patients more passive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient participation activityVSAvoidrehabilitation training system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rehabilitation training device enables patients to perform self-directed finger exercises through automated mechanisms. The device includes motor-driven linkages that automatically move fingers through prescribed trajectories, allowing patients to independently complete rehabilitation exercises without requiring constant professional guidance or active participation from therapists.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical hand-on-hand guidance system with an automated robotic linkage system. The device uses motor-driven mechanisms, linkages, and constraints to automatically guide finger movements, substituting the need for physical manipulation by therapists with an automated mechanical system that can be programmed for various rehabilitation protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If traditional manual rehabilitation training is used, then training intensity can be controlled by therapists, but it cannot guarantee the intensity and effect of rehabilitation training

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverehabilitation training effectVSAvoidtraining efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates sensors and control systems that monitor finger position, movement speed, and exercise completion in real-time. This feedback information is used to automatically adjust training parameters, ensure consistent intensity levels, and verify that rehabilitation exercises are performed correctly, thereby guaranteeing reliable training effects without requiring continuous therapeutic monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The automated linkage mechanism enables continuous and consistent rehabilitation exercises without interruption. The device can maintain steady movement speeds, repeated motion patterns, and sustained training intensity throughout extended periods, ensuring that patients receive uninterrupted and uniformly effective rehabilitation treatment that manual therapy cannot reliably maintain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If multiple fingers are trained simultaneously, then training efficiency is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining efficiencyVSAvoidlink mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple finger training functions into a single unified linkage mechanism. The device uses shared motors, common constraint structures, and interconnected linkages that simultaneously control multiple fingers through coordinated movements. This merging approach enables multi-finger training while avoiding the need for separate independent mechanisms for each finger, thereby reducing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs universal linkage components and modular designs that can be configured to train different combinations of fingers. The same basic mechanical framework can be adjusted through programmable control to target specific fingers or groups of fingers, providing multi-functional capability without requiring dedicated specialized mechanisms for each training scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Facilitates comprehensive and multi-modal finger rehabilitation, promoting motor function recovery by providing adjustable intensity training, preventing stiffness, and enhancing blood circulation and nerve stimulation.

Implementation Method 1

the rod is connected by a spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

feedback from a pressure sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS20220249896A1Finger-assisted training device and application method thereof
Publication Date: 2022.08.11 THE SECOND HOSPITAL AFFILIATED TO WENZHOU MEDICAL COLLEGE
  • US20220249896A1 patent drawing
  • US20220249896A1 patent drawing
  • US20220249896A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A finger-assisted training device and an application method thereof are provided. An electric cylinder drives the sliding sleeve to slide; the sliding sleeve drives two connecting rod mechanisms; the connecting rod mechanism includes four connecting rod assemblies; the connecting rod assembly includes a rocker, a connecting rod and a movable rod; one end of the support is hinged on the support plate, the support is fixed on the support plate; the middle of the rocker is hinged with one end of the connecting rod, and the other end of the connecting rod is hinged with the sliding sleeve; the other end of the rocker is hinged with one end of the movable rod; the other end of the movable rod is fixed with a collar; the fixed arc rod is connected with the movable rod of each link assembly through a spring.