Gait Rehabilitation Braking System for Symmetric Walking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stroke survivors often experience mobility impairments leading to gait abnormalities, which result in physical deconditioning and increased risk of secondary strokes or cardiovascular events, necessitating effective gait rehabilitation methods.
Innovation Solution
A gait rehabilitation system comprising a harness with sensors and a braking system that detects the affected leg's modification phases during walking and applies a controlled braking force to enhance propulsion force, promote symmetric gait, and improve muscle memory and cognitive responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional gait rehabilitation methods are used, then treatment effectiveness may be maintained, but rehabilitation costs increase and accessibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical rehabilitation systems with a simple braking system that applies resistive force during gait. The braking system uses sensors to detect gait phase and applies controlled braking forces, substituting elaborate mechanical therapy equipment with a more accessible and cost-effective mechanical intervention that maintains treatment effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If ground-based training is implemented, then rehabilitation costs reduce and accessibility improves, but measurement precision and control capability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that continuously monitor gait parameters and provide feedback to the braking system. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of gait phase and adjustment of braking forces, maintaining measurement precision and control capability despite using simpler ground-based training equipment instead of complex laboratory systems.
3Force
If braking force is applied during modification portion, then affected leg propulsion force improves, but gait symmetry may temporarily deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic control of braking forces that adapt to the individual's gait phase and progression. The braking force is applied selectively during the modification portion of gait and adjusted based on real-time sensor feedback, allowing temporary asymmetry during training to build strength while progressively restoring overall gait symmetry as rehabilitation progresses.
Data Source
AI summary
Gait rehabilitation systems, methods, and apparatuses thereof are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a gait rehabilitation system may include a harness configured for attachment to an individual and at least one sensor configured to sense at least one parameter associated with gait of an individual, the individual having an affected leg and an unaffected leg. The system includes a braking system configured for attachment to the harness and in communication with the at least one sensor. The braking system is further configured for monitoring the at least one sensor to sense the at least one parameter associated with an individual's gait, determining when the affected leg is in a modification portion of the individual's gait from the sensed at least one parameter, and applying a braking force resisting movement of the harness during the determined modification portion.