Lateral Hip Stretching Machine with Dual-Axis Actuated Leg Rest

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Solution Overview

Problem

IT band stretches prescribed by healthcare professionals are difficult for patients to perform independently, requiring travel and assistance due to the need for precise application of forces.

Innovation Solution

A lateral hip and leg stretching machine with rotating leg rests and actuators that allow patients to control vertical and horizontal movements, enabling them to replicate the stretches applied by professionals safely and effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual IT band stretches are performed by patients independently, then travel and assistance needs are reduced, but the ability to properly apply forces and maintain correct positioning is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependence of patientVSAvoidproper force application

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The machine enables patients to independently control and adjust the stretching force applied to their own legs through self-service operation of the control mechanisms, eliminating the need for healthcare professional assistance while maintaining proper force application through guided mechanical assistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The machine acts as an intermediary device between the patient and the stretching force, providing mechanical assistance that guides and controls the application of proper forces to the IT band, ensuring correct force application even when the patient cannot independently generate sufficient force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If precise forces are applied manually by healthcare professionals, then stretching effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and need for professional assistance increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestretching effectivenessVSAvoidmachine structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine is divided into modular components including separate leg rests, actuators for vertical and horizontal movement, and control systems, allowing each segment to perform a specific function while maintaining overall stretching effectiveness through coordinated operation of these segmented parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The machine employs dynamic mechanisms including actuators that can adjust vertical and horizontal positions of leg rests, pivot points for rotational movement, and adjustable restraining mechanisms, enabling precise control of stretching forces while accommodating different patient needs and stretch intensities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If patient legs are restrained during stretching, then positioning accuracy is improved, but patient comfort and ease of adjustment decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpatient comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The restraining mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable during the stretching process, allowing the restraint force and positioning to be modified according to patient comfort levels and therapeutic needs, rather than being fixed throughout the entire procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The machine allows adjustment of multiple parameters including restraint force magnitude, vertical and horizontal leg rest positions, and pivot point locations, enabling optimization of both positioning accuracy and patient comfort by changing these parameters according to individual patient requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 machine allows patients to perform IT band stretches independently, reducing travel and assistance needs, accommodating various sizes and flexibility levels, and providing a comfortable, safe, and effective rehabilitation solution.

Implementation Method 1

a first vertical actuator for rotating the first vertical frame around the first horizontal pivot point to move the first leg rest in a vertical direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical rotation: Gear

Implementation Method 2

a first horizontal actuator for rotating the first horizontal frame around the first vertical pivot point to move the first leg rest in a horizontal direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical rotation: Gear

Implementation Method 3

a first vertical frame operable to rotate around a first horizontal pivot point at an end of the table and a first horizontal frame operable to rotate around a first vertical pivot point

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS10603239B2Lateral hip and leg stretching machine and methods for using the same

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 KEEPERS WESLEY A

AI summary

A stretching machine includes a table having a surface for supporting a patient and a first leg rest for supporting and moving a first leg of the patient. The first leg rest has a first vertical frame operable to rotate around a first horizontal pivot point at an end of the table and a first horizontal frame operable to rotate around a first vertical pivot point on the first vertical frame. A first vertical actuator is for rotating the first vertical frame around the first horizontal pivot point to move the first leg rest in a vertical direction relative to the surface of the table, and a first horizontal actuator is for rotating the first horizontal frame around the first vertical pivot point to move the first leg rest in a horizontal direction relative to the first vertical frame.