Ground-Effect Footplate for 3D Ambulatory Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices and protocols fail to comprehensively address the complex biomechanical and neuromuscular challenges of human ambulation, leading to inadequate lower extremity health and fitness outcomes, increased injuries, and poor proprioception, as they do not replicate the 3D ground reaction forces and kinetic chains essential for optimal ambulatory performance.
Innovation Solution
A device that simulates 2D and 3D ambulatory environments through a ground-effect footplate providing resistance in three axes, allowing users to apply plantar force to mimic gravitational and inertial forces, facilitating functional ambulatory motion patterns, and offering real-time feedback and adaptive resistance to enhance proprioception and neuromuscular performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current devices and protocols are used to address lower extremity objectives, then some specific biomechanical goals may be partially achieved, but global ambulatory objectives and integrated neuromuscular challenges cannot be adequately addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates multiple functional capabilities into a single system that can address both specific lower extremity objectives and global ambulatory goals. The footplate mechanism provides resistance across multiple planes (sagittal, frontal, transverse) while simultaneously engaging various muscle groups and kinematic chains, enabling one device to serve multiple therapeutic and performance objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines resistance generation, motion simulation, and feedback mechanisms into an integrated unit. The footplate simultaneously provides resistance in three axes while simulating ambulatory environments, merging what were previously separate exercise components into a unified system that addresses interconnected neuromuscular challenges.
2Ease of operation
If 2D exercise environments are used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but proprioception and muscular activation are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from traditional 2D plane exercise to 3D multi-planar resistance by adding frontal and transverse plane movements to the sagittal plane. The footplate can move in three dimensions, creating simulated ambulatory environments that engage muscles and proprioceptive systems in ways that flat, 2D exercises cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts resistance and motion parameters to simulate various ambulatory environments (walking, running, uphill, downhill). The footplate movement and resistance characteristics can change in real-time to match different gait patterns and environmental conditions, making the exercise adaptable to various proprioceptive and muscular activation requirements.
3Reliability
If variable 3D resistance is applied to simulate ground reaction forces, then ambulatory performance and proprioception are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance mechanism is divided into independent components that can be controlled separately. The footplate resistance system uses multiple actuators (motors or springs) that can be independently adjusted for sagittal, frontal, and transverse plane resistance, allowing complex 3D ground reaction force simulation through modular, manageable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes physical parameters (resistance magnitude, direction, and timing) to simulate different ground reaction forces. By dynamically adjusting resistance parameters across multiple planes and phases of the gait cycle, the system can replicate the variable forces experienced during ambulation without requiring complex mechanical structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A ground-effect footplate against which a user applies plantar force and moves their foot in 3D across all seven lower-extremity biomechanical axes to accomplish specific as well as global ambulatory objectives related to lower extremity performance improvement, injury prevention and rehabilitation. A device comprising at least one articulating leg connected to a ground-effect footplate and a surface for a user to position against. The device can be used in conjunction with software to create virtual ambulatory environments that mimic GRFVs and cause moments of force that initiate muscular activations that substantially mimic human ambulation, and can couple those movements with non-functional movements in order to improve ROM, speed, strength, and proprioception.