Modular Therapy System with 3D Printed Gear Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current exercise and training systems lack adaptability to individual progress, often requiring manual intervention by trainers or therapists to adjust the intensity and type of therapy gear, which can be inefficient and limit personalized progression.
Innovation Solution
A modular personal therapy system with sensors and a controller that detects user conditions and performance levels, allowing access to new therapy gear modules with varying difficulty settings, and the ability to fabricate custom gear modules on demand using a 3D printer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual intervention by trainers or therapists is used to adjust therapy gear, then personalized therapy can be provided, but efficiency is reduced and constant intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The therapy system automatically monitors user performance through sensors and autonomously adjusts therapy parameters and gear selection without requiring manual intervention from trainers or therapists. The controller processes sensor data and modifies therapy settings in real-time, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for constant human oversight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor user performance and feed this information back to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts therapy gear selection and parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to user progress without manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed therapy gear modules are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to individual progress is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The therapy system transitions from static, fixed gear modules to a dynamic configuration where the controller automatically selects and adjusts gear modules based on real-time sensor data. The system's composition and parameters change dynamically in response to user performance, enabling adaptation to individual progress while maintaining a modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The therapy system is divided into modular gear modules that can be independently selected and configured. This segmentation allows the system to provide variety and adaptability through different module combinations while keeping each individual module relatively simple, balancing complexity and versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom therapy gear is fabricated on demand using 3D printer, then personalized customization is enabled, but device complexity and manufacturing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system designs and prepares custom therapy gear configurations in advance based on projected user needs and progress trajectories. The 3D printer fabricates customized gear modules before they are needed, allowing the system to have custom equipment ready without requiring complex real-time manufacturing capabilities during therapy sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D printer serves multiple functions: it fabricates various types of therapy gear modules, prototypes, and replacement parts. This multi-functional capability reduces the need for specialized manufacturing equipment for each type of component, managing overall system complexity while enabling extensive customization.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to personal therapy and exercise systems as well as to methods related thereto. For example, a personal therapy system can be a modular system that can include multiple therapy gear modules.