Modular Rehabilitation Device with Detachable Upper Frame

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional walking rehabilitation devices are limited in their ability to provide simultaneous rehabilitation for both upper and lower limbs, leading to increased costs and space requirements due to the need for separate devices for each limb.

Innovation Solution

A modular walking rehabilitation device that includes a detachable upper frame part, allowing it to function as both a lower limb rehabilitation device and an upper and lower limb rehabilitation device, with a foot stepping part, lower and upper frame parts, and link units that enable natural arm swing movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional treadmill-based walking rehabilitation device is used, then lower limb rehabilitation is provided, but it cannot be used for upper limb or trunk rehabilitation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverehabilitation coverageVSAvoiddevice configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single rehabilitation device that can serve multiple functions: lower limb rehabilitation, upper limb rehabilitation, and trunk rehabilitation. The device includes a foot stepping part for lower limb exercise, hand holding parts for upper limb exercise, and a backrest for trunk exercise, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges previously separate rehabilitation functions into a single integrated device. The frame structure combines support elements for both upper and lower body, the link unit integrates mechanisms for multiple limb movements, and the overall configuration unifies functions that were previously requiring separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate rehabilitation devices for lower limbs and upper limbs are purchased, then comprehensive rehabilitation is achieved, but purchase cost doubles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverehabilitation coverageVSAvoidpurchase cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By designing a universal rehabilitation device that can perform lower limb, upper limb, and trunk rehabilitation functions, the patent eliminates the need for consumers to purchase multiple separate devices, thereby reducing the total purchase cost while maintaining comprehensive rehabilitation coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into functional modules that can be independently configured. The foot stepping part, hand holding parts, backrest, and link units are arranged to allow selective use for different rehabilitation needs, enabling a single device to replace multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate rehabilitation devices for lower limbs and upper limbs are purchased, then comprehensive rehabilitation is achieved, but installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverehabilitation coverageVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines upper and lower limb rehabilitation functions into a single spatial configuration. The frame part integrates vertical supports and horizontal supports that accommodate both foot stepping parts and hand holding parts within the same footprint, reducing the total installation space required compared to separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes vertical space efficiently by arranging components in three dimensions. The hand holding parts are positioned at upper levels while foot stepping parts are at lower levels, allowing upper and lower limb rehabilitation to occur simultaneously or alternately within the same ground footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a modular detachable design is used, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the device into a frame part and a link unit that can be detachably connected. The frame part contains the support structure and mounting points, while the link unit contains the mechanical linkages. This segmentation allows the link unit to be detached and reattached, providing configuration flexibility without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable connection between the frame part and link unit provides dynamic reconfigurability. Users can detach the link unit from the frame part or attach it to different positions on the frame part, allowing the device to be adapted for different rehabilitation needs or user requirements without permanent fixed configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11202934B2Upper and lower limb walking rehabilitation device
Publication Date: 2021.12.21 KIM HYEONG SIC
  • US11202934B2 patent drawing
  • US11202934B2 patent drawing
  • US11202934B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An upper and lower limbs walking rehabilitation device of the present invention includes a foot stepping part, and comprises: a lower frame part; a lower limb link unit provided between the foot stepping part and the lower frame part and providing a walking trajectory to the foot stepping part; an upper frame part detachably provided at the upper end of the lower frame part by means of a detachment part; an upper limb link unit provided at the upper frame part and implementing the movement of upper limbs; and an upper linking part for linking the upper limb link unit and the lower limb link unit.