Lever Arm Exercise Support for Wheelchair Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supportive exercise systems are not wheelchair accessible, require suspension lifting forces, and place unnecessary stress on users, limiting their effectiveness in regaining strength and mobility.
Innovation Solution
A supportive exercise system with a frame and weight supporting portion, featuring a rotating lever arm and lifting mechanism, allowing for adjustable body weight support, wheelchair accessibility, and reduced stress through controlled movement and attachment to other exercise equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a harness and cable suspension system is used for weight bearing relief, then the user receives support during exercise, but the system places unnecessary stress on the user's body and requires assistance from another person
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional cable and harness suspension system with a mechanical lever arm system that uses the user's own body weight as counterbalance. The lever arm is pivotally connected to the seat, creating a mechanical advantage system where the user's weight provides the balancing force, eliminating the need for external cables and harnesses that cause stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the user to support themselves through the lever arm mechanism where the user's body weight automatically provides the counterbalancing force. The user independently controls the weight bearing relief by adjusting their position on the seat, eliminating the need for assistance from another person to operate the system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed position supportive exercise system is used, then the user receives stable support, but the system is not wheelchair accessible and limits mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates wheels to the frame, transforming the system from a fixed stationary structure to a mobile dynamic system. The wheels enable the frame to be easily moved to different locations, making it wheelchair accessible while maintaining the stable support function when in use through the lever arm mechanism.
3Reliability
If a cable suspension system is used, then weight bearing relief is provided, but the lifting forces inhibit effectiveness and place unnecessary stress on the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the cable suspension lifting system with a lever arm mechanical system that uses the user's body weight as counterbalance. This eliminates the external lifting forces that inhibit strength recovery, allowing the user to actively engage muscles while receiving support, thereby improving effectiveness in regaining strength.
4Ease of operation
If assistance from another person is required to enter and use the system, then proper positioning is achieved, but the system complexity and time requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be independently operable by the user. The lever arm mechanism automatically adjusts to the user's position on the seat, providing proper positioning without requiring assistance from another person. The user can enter and exit the system independently, reducing operational complexity.
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 users with physical limitations to regain strength and mobility effectively, providing adjustable weight support and reducing stress, while being accessible for wheelchair users and usable in various exercise positions.
Implementation Method 1
a lever arm positioned above the frame portion of the system and lifting means for controlling the movement of the lever arm
Implementation Method 2
The lever arm can be configured to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the support columns
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise support system configured to support at least a portion of a user's weight is disclosed. The exercise support system may include a base assembly including a plurality of frame members defining an interior region of the system. The system may also include a lift assembly comprising a drive assembly and an arm assembly. A body support (e.g., a seat) may be configured with the arm assembly. In general, the base assembly provides support to the lift assembly, and the lift assembly provides the mechanism(s) and forces to raise and lower the arm assembly (and the body support) thereby supporting at least a portion of the user's weight.