Foot-Mounted Vibratory Device for Freezing of Gait Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies are inadequate in effectively improving gait for individuals with degenerative neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease, particularly in preventing Freezing of Gait (FoG), as they do not provide continuous and adaptive vibratory feedback to assist natural walking.
Innovation Solution
A vibratory system comprising a device secured to the foot with vibration actuators and sensors, a controller that operates in continuous and feedback modes, providing vibrations based on pre-set durations or sensor data to improve gait, and a method involving multiple treatment cycles with intermittent rest days.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vibration actuators are continuously activated to provide continuous vibratory feedback, then gait improvement and Freezing of Gait prevention are enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic activation of vibration actuators through distinct operational modes: continuous mode for extended gait improvement, intermittent mode with periodic activation for energy conservation, and feedback mode with sensor-triggered activation. This periodic action strategy allows the system to provide therapeutic vibration when needed while reducing energy consumption during non-critical periods, directly resolving the contradiction between continuous gait improvement and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the activation pattern of vibration actuators based on real-time sensor feedback and user needs. The controller transitions between different operational modes (continuous, intermittent, feedback) depending on gait analysis results, allowing the system to optimize energy consumption while maintaining effective gait improvement. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to respond to changing conditions without wasting energy during stable walking phases.
2Use of energy by moving object
If vibration actuators are activated based on sensor feedback, then energy consumption is reduced, but response time and gait improvement effectiveness may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic sensor monitoring combined with threshold-based activation. Sensors continuously monitor gait parameters and trigger vibration actuation when specific thresholds are exceeded, creating a periodic feedback loop that balances energy consumption with timely response. This periodic action ensures the system activates only when gait deviations are detected, reducing energy usage while maintaining adequate response time for gait correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors monitor gait parameters and the controller adjusts vibration actuator activation based on real-time feedback. This feedback mechanism ensures the system responds appropriately to gait deviations while optimizing energy consumption by activating only when needed. The feedback loop continuously adapts the activation pattern to maintain effective gait improvement while minimizing energy usage during normal walking phases.
3Reliability
If multiple vibration actuators are used to provide comprehensive vibratory feedback, then gait improvement effectiveness is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vibratory feedback system into multiple independent vibration actuators positioned at different locations on the footwear. Each actuator can be independently controlled to provide targeted vibratory feedback to specific foot regions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive gait improvement through distributed vibration while maintaining manageable complexity through modular actuator design and independent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and activates specific vibration actuators based on real-time gait analysis and user needs. Rather than all actuators operating simultaneously, the controller selectively activates only the necessary actuators for each gait phase or deviation type, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective gait improvement. This dynamic selection optimizes the balance between comprehensive coverage and system simplicity.
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 significantly improves gait variability, balance, and reduces Freezing of Gait symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease by providing continuous and adaptive vibratory feedback, as demonstrated by studies showing improved gait characteristics and reduced symptoms.
Implementation Method 1
one or more vibration actuators mounted on the device, the one or more vibration actuators configured to provide vibrations to the foot of the user
Data Source
AI summary
A device adapted to be secured to the foot of a user includes one or more vibration actuators configured to provide vibrations to the user's foot, one or more force or acceleration sensors configured to sense forces or acceleration exerted by the user's foot, and a controller configured to operate the vibration actuators in a continuous mode to provide intermittent vibration to the user's foot independent of information sensed by the force or acceleration sensors. The vibration includes a first period of continuous vibration followed by a second period of no vibration followed by a third period of continuous vibration. The device may also be configured to operate in a feedback mode.