Floating Therapy Device with Upright Harness and Trainer Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aquatic therapy methods require therapists to either hold patients or have an assistant to maintain them upright in the water, which is tiring and does not provide patients with independence or freedom during treatment.
Innovation Solution
A floating physical therapy device with a frame and harness system that secures patients in an upright position using adjustable frames, buoyant materials, and a harness with padding and straps, allowing for autonomy and ease of access for therapists.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a therapist holds the patient in the water during therapy, then the patient is maintained in an upright position, but the therapist becomes tired and cannot provide independence to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables the patient to support themselves independently in the water through the floating frame and harness system, eliminating the need for continuous therapist physical support. The buoyant frame provides automatic stabilization, allowing the patient to remain upright without external assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating frame device acts as an intermediary between the patient and the water environment. It provides the necessary support and stability that would otherwise require the therapist to physically hold the patient, transferring the support function from the therapist to the device.
2Reliability
If an assistant holds the patient in the water, then the patient is maintained upright, but the patient does not experience freedom or independence during treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables the patient to support themselves independently in the water through the floating frame and harness system, eliminating the need for continuous therapist physical support. The buoyant frame provides automatic stabilization, allowing the patient to remain upright without external assistance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a floating device is used to support the patient, then patient independence is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: the floating frame structure, the harness system, the headrest, and the leg support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies assembly, adjustment, and maintenance while providing comprehensive patient support.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable and movable components including the movable leg support, adjustable harness straps, and repositionable headrest. These dynamic elements allow the device to adapt to different patient sizes and therapy requirements without requiring a completely different device for each case.
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
Enables therapists to treat patients in the water without assistance, providing patients with a sense of independence and freedom, while maintaining safety and stability during therapy or recreational activities.
Implementation Method 1
The device includes at least one float so that it is buoyant in the water
Data Source
AI summary
A floating physical therapy device includes a frame and a harness. The frame includes an inner frame and an outer frame on the right and left side. The inner frame defines a patient area. The harness is attached to the inner frame such that it secures a patient to the device in a substantially upright position during use. The frame extends forwards and backwards, as well as to the left and right, of the patient area in order to provide stability in the water during normal use. The frame defines a trainer area immediately forward of the patient area where a therapist can have access to the patient during therapy sessions.