Locomotion Therapy Device Independent Leg Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locomotion therapy and rehabilitation devices fail to fully simulate natural walking motion, particularly in adapting patient stepping movements, and often lack independent control over leg movements, which hinders effective rehabilitation for patients with spinal disorders, orthopaedic surgeries, and central nervous system disorders.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an upper body, weight balancing module, sling and carrying system, independent leg support mechanisms, and robotic walking mechanisms that simulate natural walking motion by dynamically adjusting patient weight and independently controlling each leg's movement to match the patient's natural oscillation and strength, allowing for precise adaptation to different patient sizes and leg lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vertical lifting elements with joint freedom are used to support forefoot and hindfoot movement, then the mechanism can adapt to patient weight variations, but an angle α is formed between forward and backward tilted positions that prevents full simulation of natural walking motion
Solution Approach 1:
The walking mechanism is divided into independent forefoot lifting element and hindfoot lifting element, each capable of independent vertical movement. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function while eliminating the need for joint freedom that creates angle α, thereby fully simulating natural walking motion where forefoot and hindfoot move independently during the gait cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing joint freedom that creates angular deviation from natural walking path, the invention inverts the approach by constraining each lifting element to move strictly vertically along guided paths. This inversion eliminates the angle α problem while maintaining adaptability to patient weight through independent control of each vertical lifting element's position and force.
2Adaptability or versatility
If independent leg support mechanisms are used to control each leg's movement independently, then rehabilitation can be tailored to individual leg strength differences, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed with universal multi-functionality, where a single centralized controller can manage both legs independently or in unison. The control apparatus can switch between controlling left and right legs separately for asymmetric rehabilitation, or control both legs simultaneously for symmetric gait training, thereby providing independent leg control without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic walking mechanism incorporates sensors and feedback systems that allow each leg's support mechanism to automatically detect and respond to the patient's actual leg strength and movement capabilities. This self-service capability enables independent leg control through automated adaptation rather than complex manual control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device is designed to accommodate patients of various heights and sizes, then it can serve adult and paediatric patients, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the leg support mechanisms and robotic walking mechanisms to be easily reconfigured for patients of different heights and sizes. The support structures can be adjusted vertically and horizontally to match the patient's anatomy, enabling the same device to effectively serve both adult and paediatric patients without requiring completely different device configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention according to the application relates to a locomotion therapy and rehabilitation device developed for patients whose locomotion function is either lost or declined due to spinal disorders, orthopaedic surgeries and central nervous system disorders to redevelop and improve their walking ability.