Gait Training Apparatus with Multi-Link Mechanisms for Natural Pattern Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gait training devices fail to precisely replicate the human gait pattern, are mechanically complex and large, and lack adjustability to accommodate individual user needs, making them unsuitable for precise therapy or fitness applications.
Innovation Solution
A gait training device featuring a longitudinal guide connected to first and second multi-bar mechanisms via a longitudinal displacement body, with a common drive system that allows for precise control of movement trajectories and speed, enabling the simulation of natural gait patterns and allowing for mechanical adjustments to individualize the gait pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common drive system is used to reduce device complexity, then the device becomes simpler and more compact, but precise control of movement trajectories and speed becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements mechanical adjustability through movable articulation points and adjustable linkages in the multi-bar mechanisms. This allows the gait pattern to be dynamically customized for different users and therapeutic needs, transforming a static mechanism into an adaptable system that can replicate various gait variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter adjustment of the gait pattern by modifying the geometric parameters of the multi-bar mechanisms. By changing link lengths, articulation point positions, and mechanism configurations, the device can adapt to individual user requirements while maintaining mechanical simplicity through the common drive system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical adjustments are added to customize gait patterns, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gait training device into separate multi-bar mechanisms for each leg, with independent adjustability. This segmentation allows customization of each leg's gait pattern while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular design and a common drive system.
3Ease of operation
If the device size is reduced for better usability, then ease of operation improves, but the range of motion and stride length control capability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a compact multi-bar mechanism design where components are nested and integrated efficiently. The longitudinal guide and displacement bodies are incorporated within the multi-bar mechanisms, creating a compact structure that maintains full stride length control capability while improving ease of operation and reducing space requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a gait training apparatus (1) for mechanically generating a natural gait pattern (T1, T2). The gait training apparatus (1) contains a first and a second multi-link mechanism (10, 20), which mechanisms are coupled to each other, and a drive (3) for inputting a rotary movement into the first multi-link mechanism (10), and a foot support element (43) coupled to the second multi-link mechanism (20). Furthermore, the second multi-link mechanism (20) contains a longitudinal slide body (81) which is able to slide longitudinally along and relative to a longitudinal guide (83) and which is connected to the first multi-link mechanism (10).