Mobile Upper Extremity Support for Independent Arm Swing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobility aids, such as walkers and parallel bars, lack effective mechanisms for providing continuous upper extremity support and facilitating independent movement of the arms during gait training, especially for individuals with neurological or orthopedic impairments, leading to inefficient and unsafe rehabilitation practices.
Innovation Solution
A mobile upper extremity support assembly that can be securely positioned on rails of walkers and treadmills, allowing for unilateral or bilateral support, adjustable resistance, and independent movement of the upper extremities, enabling reciprocating arm motion and accommodating various rail diameters and cross-sectional shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional walkers or parallel bars are used for mobility support, then upper body support is provided, but upper extremity movement is restricted and arm swing is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the support system into separate components: a stable base structure and independent mobile support members that can move along tracks. This segmentation allows the base to provide stability while the mobile members enable arm movement, resolving the contradiction between support stability and movement freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing them to move along the tracks in response to user arm swing. This dynamic capability enables the device to provide stable support when needed while permitting natural arm movement during ambulation, eliminating the restriction inherent in traditional fixed support structures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If platform attachments are added to walkers, then upper extremity support is enhanced, but the entire upper extremity must be immobilized on the platform
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the entire upper extremity to be immobilized on a single platform, the invention segments the support into multiple independent mobile support members that can move along separate tracks. This allows selective support and movement of different arm portions, providing both stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile support members with track-based movement provide dynamic support that adapts to the user's movement needs. The supports can remain stable when contact is made but allow natural arm swing motion along the tracks, eliminating the need for complete upper extremity immobilization while maintaining support.
3Force
If friction-based movement control is used, then resistance to arm movement is provided, but excessive friction may impede natural arm swing
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes variable friction characteristics along the track-path interface, where friction provides necessary resistance and control during movement while allowing natural arm swing patterns. The friction parameter is optimized to provide sufficient control without impeding the natural rhythm and range of arm movement during ambulation.
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 continuous and symmetrical upper body support, facilitating normal gait patterns and enhancing rehabilitation outcomes by allowing independent arm movement, which is crucial for neurological recovery and reducing the risk of falls during ambulation.
Implementation Method 1
A mobile upper extremity support assembly that can be securely positioned on rails of walkers, parallel bars, or treadmills, allowing for independent movement of the upper extremities, with adjustable resistance and optional braking
Data Source
AI summary
Patient aid devices and an associated method of supporting an upper extremity are described and include a mobile upper extremity support for the patient. A support assembly supports a first side of an upper body of the user for movement along a first rail. The support assembly also allows motion of a second side of an upper body relative to the first side.