Motorized Training Apparatus for Disabled Walking Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for training disabled individuals to walk and maintain muscle strength are labor-intensive, require continuous supervision, and do not effectively simulate natural movement patterns, often necessitating multiple therapists and limited to hospital or center settings.
Innovation Solution
A motorized training apparatus that assists users in performing natural walking, ski walking, and stair walking movements, utilizing elastic bands or springs to coordinate leg movements and maintain an upright position, with adjustable motor power to gradually increase user involvement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional therapist-assisted training methods are used, then muscle strength and coordination can be improved, but the training becomes labor-intensive and requires continuous supervision by multiple therapists
Solution Approach 1:
The training apparatus enables disabled individuals to perform training exercises independently without continuous therapist supervision. The device provides automated support through mechanical structures that guide leg movements and maintain proper posture, allowing users to train autonomously while still receiving therapeutic benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human therapists with an automated mechanical training apparatus. The device uses motors, gears, and mechanical linkages to provide the physical assistance and guidance that previously required human therapists, thereby reducing labor intensity while maintaining training effectiveness
2Ease of operation
If traditional training methods are used, then some muscle movement can be achieved, but natural walking movement patterns are not effectively simulated
Solution Approach 1:
The training apparatus incorporates dynamic movement patterns that simulate natural walking cycles. The mechanical system adjusts leg movement trajectories, speeds, and coordination to match authentic walking biomechanics, providing realistic training that improves both ease of operation and training efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The device copies natural walking movement patterns by replicating the biomechanics of healthy walking. Sensors and control systems analyze normal gait patterns and reproduce them in the training apparatus, allowing disabled individuals to practice and relearn natural walking movements through accurate motion replication
3Reliability
If training requires hospital or center settings with therapist supervision, then controlled training environment is provided, but accessibility and independence are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed for independent use in various locations including homes and community centers. Users can operate the device autonomously without requiring therapist presence, enabling training in decentralized locations while maintaining controlled and safe operating conditions through automated safety features
Solution Approach 2:
The training apparatus is designed as a universal device that can be deployed in multiple settings (hospitals, nursing homes, private homes). The device adapts to different user needs and environments through adjustable parameters and modular components, providing consistent training quality across diverse locations
4Strength
If isolated muscle group training is performed, then local muscle strength can be improved, but complex movements like walking are not effectively trained
Solution Approach 1:
The training apparatus segments the complex walking movement into distinct phases and muscle group activations. By breaking down the gait cycle into manageable components, the device provides targeted strengthening for specific muscle groups while integrating them into the overall walking pattern, improving both local strength and global coordination
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges isolated muscle group training with complex movement practice. While providing targeted resistance and support for specific muscle groups, the apparatus simultaneously trains coordinated full-body walking movements, combining local strengthening benefits with holistic functional improvement
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 independent or reduced-therapist training for disabled individuals, promoting muscle strengthening and nerve coordination in a home or institutional setting, reducing the risk of atrophy and improving overall health by simulating natural movement patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a motor (18) is provided, which is arranged to drive the movement device (1, 2)
Implementation Method 2
utilizing elastic bands or springs to coordinate leg movements
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for disabled persons, comprising a skid which optionally may be equipped with wheels, to which skid is connected a device for tightening the user's knees.