Locomotion Therapy Table With Segmented Height Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locomotion therapy apparatuses for paraplegic patients often position patients too high when transitioning to a vertical position, making it difficult for therapists to care for them, especially in unstable circulatory conditions.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus features a tilting mechanism that moves the table between horizontal and vertical positions while keeping the patient's feet close to the ground by adjusting the second table portion's height independently of the patient's size, combined with a leg movement mechanism that simulates walking and optional load sensors and mechanical stimulation for the feet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the table is adjusted to accommodate different patient heights by moving the foot mechanism, then the apparatus becomes adaptable to various patient sizes, but the patient position becomes too high above the ground making it difficult for therapists to care for the patient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different patient heightsVSAvoidease of therapist access to patient

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The table is divided into a first table portion (foot support) and a second table portion (head support) that can be independently adjusted. The first table portion remains fixed at a low position for therapist access, while the second table portion is adjusted to accommodate different patient heights, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the foot mechanism position is adjusted to match patient height, then the apparatus adapts to different patients, but the patient's feet are positioned too high above the ground in vertical position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment to patient heightVSAvoidheight of patient's feet above ground

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The table structure is segmented into two independently adjustable portions. The first table portion supporting the feet remains at a fixed low position to maintain feet close to the ground, while the second table portion supporting the head is adjusted for patient height accommodation, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and feet height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the entire table is raised to accommodate taller patients, then the apparatus fits taller patients better, but therapist access to the patient becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of taller patientsVSAvoidtherapist access to patient

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The table is segmented into two independently height-adjustable portions. The first table portion (foot support) remains at a fixed low position ensuring therapist access is maintained, while the second table portion (head support) is raised to accommodate taller patients, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10780009B2Apparatus for locomotion therapy

Publication Date: 2020.09.22 HOCOMA

AI summary

Apparatus for locomotion therapy is provided which includes a base (11), a first table portion (15) and a tilting mechanism (12, 13) to tilt said first table portion (15) between a horizontal position, an inclined or a vertical position. A foot mechanism (16) is mounted to the first table portion (15). Furthermore, the position of a second table portion (17) is adjustable with respect to the first table portion (15) to adapt the apparatus to patients of different heights.