Flexible Gait Cue With Rigid Target for Freezing Episodes

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for assisting patients with freezing of gait (FOG) are ineffective in bright light, require power sources, and are expensive, making them complicated and costly solutions.

Innovation Solution

A flexible cord with a rigid end portion is used as a target for patients to step over, triggering a neurological response to initiate walking, which is inexpensive, easy to use, and does not require a power source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If laser line devices are used to assist patients with FOG, then visual cues are provided to help patients step forward, but the devices become expensive and require power sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in assisting FOG patientsVSAvoidsystem complexity and power source requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of providing visual target cues from complex laser systems and implements it using a simple rigid object (such as a stick or rod) that can be manually positioned. This removes the need for power sources, electronics, and complex system components while retaining the core therapeutic function of providing a visual target for patients to step over.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive, durable laser line devices with inexpensive, simple rigid objects that can be easily manufactured and replaced. These simple objects (sticks, rods, or similar items) cost minimal resources to produce and can be readily discarded or replaced if lost or damaged, eliminating the need for costly maintenance or replacement of electronic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If laser line devices are used to assist patients with FOG, then visual cues are provided to help patients step forward, but the devices are expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in assisting FOG patientsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces expensive, durable laser line devices with inexpensive, simple rigid objects that can be easily manufactured and replaced. These simple objects (sticks, rods, or similar items) cost minimal resources to produce and can be readily discarded or replaced if lost or damaged, eliminating the need for costly maintenance or replacement of electronic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential function of providing visual target cues from complex laser systems and implements it using a simple rigid object (such as a stick or rod) that can be manually positioned. This removes the need for power sources, electronics, and complex system components while retaining the core therapeutic function of providing a visual target for patients to step over.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If laser line devices are used to assist patients with FOG, then visual cues are provided to help patients step forward, but the devices are ineffective in bright light or outdoor light

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in assisting FOG patientsVSAvoideffectiveness in different lighting conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the optical system (laser lines) that fails in bright light with a simple mechanical/physical object (rigid stick or rod) that provides visual contrast through its physical presence. This mechanical substitute maintains effectiveness in bright and outdoor lighting conditions where optical laser lines become invisible or washed out.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20260060872A1Freezing of gait assist device

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 MURCHISON RICHARD L

AI summary

The presently disclosed device for assisting an individual experiencing freezing of gait includes a flexible lead material of approximately three to four feet in length to which is attached a rigid portion of approximately five to eight inches. Preferably, the device has a first end that includes a loop or handle; a flexible material of three to four feet in length, and a second end of rigid material of five to eight inches in length.