Mirror Therapy Device With Linkage System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mirror therapy devices in occupational therapy face challenges in facilitating reciprocal functional activities and object manipulation, particularly for individuals with decreased sensibility and limited visual feedback, as they restrict movement and are not adaptable to real-life scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A mirror therapy device with symmetrical functional components and a linkage system that allows the non-affected side to move the affected side consistently with the reflected image, incorporating interchangeable attachments and adjustable resistance, enabling a wide range of therapeutic movements and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a traditional mirror is used to obscure the affected extremity during mirror therapy, then visual feedback is provided for the non-affected side, but the ability to manipulate unsecured objects and perform functional activities is impaired due to lack of visual feedback for hand placement
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent or translucent panel is introduced as an intermediary between the mirror and the user, allowing visual feedback to pass through while maintaining the mirror therapy effect. This mediator enables simultaneous viewing of the reflected image and the actual hand position, resolving the contradiction between providing visual feedback and maintaining mirror therapy functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent film or panel is placed over the mirror surface, creating a flexible visual interface that allows light and images to pass through. This thin film structure maintains the mirror's reflective properties while enabling visual observation of hand placement and object manipulation, thus resolving the information loss without compromising ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the affected extremity is placed inside a triangular mirror tunnel, then the mirror therapy effect is achieved, but object manipulation is limited due to the confined space
Solution Approach 1:
The triangular mirror tunnel is segmented into multiple sections, allowing the affected extremity to move through different zones with varying degrees of freedom. This segmentation enables the mirror therapy effect to be maintained in each section while providing increased adaptability for object manipulation across the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror therapy device is extended from a two-dimensional triangular cross-section into a three-dimensional structure with additional spatial dimensions. This allows the affected extremity to manipulate objects in multiple directions while maintaining the mirror reflection effect, thereby increasing adaptability without sacrificing reliability.
3Reliability
If reciprocal rote exercise is performed with both hands, then mirror therapy benefits are achieved, but reciprocal functional activities are difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror therapy device is designed with multiple functional attachments and configurations that can accommodate both reciprocal rote exercises and reciprocal functional activities. This multi-functionality allows the same device to maintain mirror therapy effectiveness while adapting to various functional activity requirements, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror therapy system incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to adapt its configuration based on the type of activity being performed. This dynamic adjustability enables the device to maintain optimal mirror therapy effectiveness for both simple reciprocal exercises and complex functional activities, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for alleviating extremity pain and improving range of motion using a mobile mirror with functional activity attachments. Secured symmetrical functional objects for manipulation are positioned either along side, in front, or on the mirror itself. The individual looks at the reflection of the non-affected extremity manipulating the functional attachment while both extremities perform the activity. The occupational therapy device is simple to use and can relocate to either tabletop or floor. The large mirror accommodates longer arms and legs for improved visual field and can be rotated for either vertical or horizontal orientation.