Knee Rehabilitation Support Bar for Gravity-Assisted Flexion
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a system and method that allows for incrementally-applied physical therapy to support knee joint flexion and extension, particularly after surgery or arthritic treatment, to help regain normal functionality and flexibility without creating compressive forces in the joint.
Innovation Solution
A knee joint rehabilitation device with a support bar and adjustable pads that uses gravity-assisted methods to incrementally increase flexion, allowing the patient's leg to hang over the bar, with a lower leg support adjusting to gradually reduce weight-bearing assistance as therapy progresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gravity-assisted passive flexion is used to stretch knee joint tissues, then knee joint flexibility and range of motion are improved, but the patient experiences discomfort or pain due to uncontrolled stretching forces
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates force sensors that continuously monitor the stretching forces applied to the knee joint and provide real-time feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the actuator output based on this feedback to maintain forces within a comfortable and safe range, preventing patient discomfort while achieving the desired flexibility improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables patients to perform passive flexion exercises independently by allowing them to control the actuator through a user interface or voice commands. The device automatically adjusts the stretching parameters based on patient preferences and real-time force measurements, making the therapy self-regulated and comfortable.
2Strength
If active knee flexion exercises are performed to strengthen muscles, then muscle strength around the knee joint is improved, but the patient experiences fatigue and reduced treatment efficiency due to high effort requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator provides counterbalancing support to the patient's lower leg, offsetting the weight and reducing the effort required to perform flexion exercises. This allows patients to strengthen their knee muscles without experiencing excessive fatigue, thereby improving treatment efficiency and allowing for more repetitions or longer therapy sessions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual physical therapy methods are used to adjust flexion angles, then personalized therapy can be provided, but the therapist experiences physical strain and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces manual mechanical adjustment by a therapist with an automated actuator system controlled by a microprocessor. The actuator electronically adjusts the flexion angle based on pre-programmed protocols or real-time sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual physical adjustment while maintaining personalized therapy capabilities. This significantly reduces therapy time and eliminates therapist physical strain.
4Strength
If traditional rehabilitation equipment is used that requires patient effort, then muscle activation is achieved, but the patient experiences pain and discomfort during exercise
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically adjusts the assistance force provided by the actuator throughout the range of motion. The controller modulates the motor output in real-time based on the patient's instantaneous position, velocity, and force sensor readings, providing optimal support that maintains muscle activation while minimizing pain and discomfort during exercise.
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 device facilitates gentle stretching and strengthening of the knee joint through controlled flexion and extension, promoting recovery while minimizing joint compression, thereby enhancing patient comfort and therapeutic effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the physical therapist may allow gravity to pull the lower leg downwards through a range of motion to help stretch the knee joint tissues
Implementation Method 2
at least a portion of the weight of the patient's leg may be supported by a lower leg support
Data Source
AI summary
A knee joint rehabilitation apparatus may include a support bar fixed to a height-adjustment bar, the support bar being configured to receive a knee joint posterior; a plurality of pads configured to removably mount to the support bar to adjust an effective outer diameter of the support bar; and a lower leg support connected to the height-adjustment bar, the lower leg support being mounted to the height-adjustment bar so as to allow for changes in an angular position between said lower leg support and said height-adjustment bar.