Hydraulic Damper Shoulder Rotation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoulder rehabilitation and exercise devices fail to provide consistent and controlled resistance for internal and external rotation exercises, often resulting in potential energy-related injuries and the need for frequent device adjustments or user repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A portable shoulder rehabilitation and exercise device utilizing a hydraulic damper with a rotary vane displacement mechanism, which provides smooth, fluid-like resistance that automatically adjusts with user force and allows for secure, stable positioning without storing potential energy, enabling controlled range of motion and resistance adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional weights or elastic bands are used for shoulder rotation exercises, then resistance can be provided, but potential energy is stored creating injury risk and inconsistent resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic damper system where hydraulic fluid flows through restricted passages to provide resistance during shoulder rotation exercises. This hydraulic mechanism dissipates energy through fluid friction rather than storing it like elastic bands or gravity-based weights, eliminating the rebound injury risk while maintaining consistent resistance throughout the exercise range of motion.
2Force
If free weights are used for rotation exercises, then resistance training can be performed, but resistance is inconsistent throughout the range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic damper provides resistance through controlled fluid flow through restricted passages. The resistance force remains consistent throughout the entire range of motion because the hydraulic system's viscous damping characteristics maintain a steady opposing force regardless of position, unlike free weights where resistance varies with gravitational angle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If elastic bands are used for resistance, then portable exercise is possible, but stored potential energy creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic damper replaces elastic bands by using hydraulic fluid flow resistance instead of elastic potential energy storage. The system maintains exercise flexibility and portability while eliminating the rebound hazard because hydraulic fluid dissipates energy through viscous friction rather than storing and releasing it like elastic materials.
4Strength
If weights are used for rotation exercises, then strengthening can occur, but device adjustments and repositioning are frequently required
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic damper system serves multiple functions within a single integrated device: it provides resistance training, controls range of motion, and maintains consistent force throughout exercise. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate weight plates, elastic bands, or frequent adjustments, as the hydraulic system inherently provides all necessary resistance characteristics.
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 safe and effective internal and external shoulder rotations with consistent resistance, preventing injuries from stored energy and allowing for seamless transition between exercises without user repositioning, while accommodating varying arm lengths and user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a damper (22) having a shaft (26) upon which the restrictor arm (60) is mounted for rotation
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic damper with a rotary vane displacement mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A shoulder rehabilitation and exercise device is disclosed which enables a user to perform internal and external rotations of both right and left shoulder. The device is comprised of a base plate, hydraulic damper, restrictor arm, actuator arm, elbow cup and hand grip. A smooth, fluid-like movement is achieved during performance of arcuate internal and external shoulder rotations while also providing automatic increases and decreases in resistance to such motion in response to user effort. In certain preferred embodiments, in addition to such automatic adjustment of resistance, the device includes a means of manually adjusting resistance. The device may be utilized to perform the aforementioned internal and external rotations on a user's right or left side without need for making any adjustments to the machine. Range of motion limitations may be set to control the arcuate degree of internal and external rotations performed. Adjustment in the elevation of a user's forearm via adjustment of the actuator arm is provided. The actuator arm includes an adjustable elbow cup and adjustable hand grip. The device does not store potential energy or produce sufficient momentum to oppose a user's immediate and safe termination of motion.