Modular Harness for Pediatric Locomotor Training
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current locomotor training systems for patients with spinal cord injuries are not suitable for the pediatric population, as they are designed for patients over 100 lbs, whereas children typically weigh between 22-80 lbs, and do not accommodate the needs of physical therapists or trainers working with children.
Innovation Solution
A modular harness system with adjustable pelvic and upper body supports, including straps and handles, designed to provide partial weight support and maintain correct posture during locomotor training, suitable for both children and adults, allowing for customizable support and easy adaptation to the patient's progress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the adult harness system is used for pediatric patients, then the system structure is simple and proven effective for adults, but the system is not suitable for children weighing 22-80 lbs and does not accommodate pediatric needs
Solution Approach 1:
The harness system is divided into separate modular components including a pelvic band, bottom straps, lifting straps, and an overhead support system. This segmentation allows each component to be independently sized and adjusted, enabling the same basic system structure to accommodate both pediatric patients (22-80 lbs) and adult patients (over 100 lbs) by simply adjusting strap lengths and component configurations rather than requiring entirely different harness systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The harness system is designed with universal applicability across age groups and weight ranges. The overhead support system can work with both the pediatric-specific pelvic band configuration and the adult harness configuration. The pelvic band itself is designed to be adjustable in size and can accommodate different body proportions, making the same basic system serve multiple patient populations without requiring complete system replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the harness provides fixed support structure, then the system is stable and easy to operate, but the system cannot adapt to patient progress and different therapy stages
Solution Approach 1:
The harness incorporates multiple adjustable elements including bottom straps with adjustable lengths, lifting straps with variable positioning, and a pelvic band that can be sized and configured for different patients. These dynamic adjustment capabilities allow the therapist to modify the harness configuration as the patient progresses through therapy stages, transitioning from more supportive configurations for early-stage patients to less restrictive configurations as neuromuscular function improves, all while maintaining ease of operation through standardized adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A harness used for a locomotor training of a patient, such as a pediatric patient, is provided. The harness has a bottom strap, such as two leg straps, for providing pelvic support to the patient and a pelvic band for providing waist support to the patient. The bottom strap is releasably connected to the pelvic band. Multiple lifting straps are connected to the pelvic band. The lifting straps can be manipulated to provide partial weight support to the patient. The harness has circumferential bands of varying widths that can be easily added and removed to provide maximum trunk support to minimal or no trunk support across the length of the trunk. This allows the harness to dynamically meet the needs of trunk support as the patient advances.