Motorized Gait Training System with Cam-Based Weight Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gait training systems lack linear weight support and are not motorized or transportable, leading to inconsistent force application during training sessions.
Innovation Solution
A body lightening system with a motorized frame, adjustable height, and a holding mechanism using cams and springs to provide constant weight support, controlled via a human machine interface, allowing for programmable movement and adjustable weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a harness connected to overhead cables or elastic ropes is used to support patient weight, then the patient can receive partial weight bearing support, but the force applied varies as the patient moves and is not constantly controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical cable-and-pulley system with a motorized motion system that uses electronic control to generate and apply lifting force. The motion system includes motors that can precisely control the amount of weight support provided to the patient, replacing the passive mechanical advantage system with an active electromechanical system capable of consistent, controllable force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the patient's movements and weight distribution, feeding this information back to a control unit. The control unit adjusts the motorized lifting mechanism in real-time to maintain consistent weight support percentages, ensuring reliable and controlled force application regardless of patient movement.
2Force
If cables are attached to an adjustable frame with power-assisted hydraulics to increase force, then weight support can be increased, but the system becomes complex and less transportable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hydraulic power assistance mechanism from the system, replacing it with motorized lifting mechanisms that are more compact and easier to control electronically. This removal of complex hydraulic systems simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the ability to provide adjustable weight support.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses motorized mechanisms that can dynamically adjust the weight support level through electronic control, replacing static or hydraulically-adjusted mechanical systems. The motors can be programmed to provide varying degrees of assistance based on patient needs, offering dynamic adaptability without the complexity of hydraulic systems.
3Device complexity
If a non-motorized rollable device is used, then the system remains simple and transportable, but it can only support a limited percentage of patient weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the non-motorized mechanical rolling mechanism with a motorized motion system that provides powered assistance. This substitution enables the system to support higher percentages of patient weight (up to 80-90% or more) while maintaining reasonable portability, as the motors provide the additional force needed without requiring heavy mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized motion system serves multiple functions: it provides weight support, enables controlled movement, and can be adjusted to support various percentages of patient weight. This multi-functionality allows a single compact device to replace multiple specialized equipment pieces, maintaining simplicity while dramatically increasing weight support capability.
4Ease of operation
If springs are added to mechanisms to allow movement, then some mobility is provided, but the weight support becomes non-linear and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces spring-based movement mechanisms with motorized actuators that provide controlled, linear force. The motors can be programmed to move the patient smoothly through the gait cycle while maintaining consistent weight support percentages, eliminating the non-linear force characteristics of spring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to monitor patient position and movement, feeding this data back to the control system. The control system adjusts motor output in real-time to maintain linear, consistent weight support throughout the range of motion, ensuring predictable and reliable force application during gait training.
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 consistent, linear weight support and improved mobility training by allowing precise control over weight distribution and movement, enhancing the effectiveness of gait rehabilitation.
Implementation Method 1
the holding mechanism comprising at least one cam and at least one spring connected by a shaft
Implementation Method 2
the holding mechanism comprising at least one cam and at least one spring connected by a shaft
Implementation Method 3
the holding mechanism comprising at least one cam and at least one spring connected by a shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A body lightening system for at least partially supporting the weight of a user, the system including a structure having a frame and a motion system, the motion system driving the structure to follow the movements of the user, a holding system, the holding system including a holding mechanism, a hanger and a plurality of hanging cables, the plurality of hanging cables connecting the hanger to a harness to be worn by the user, a power system including a power source for powering the body lightening system, and a human machine interface, the human machine interface providing control over the motion of the motion system and the percentage of the user's weight supported by the holding system.