Movable Base Gait Training Apparatus for Flexible Patient Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gait training apparatuses are limited in flexibility and deployment, as they either restrict movement or require specialized rooms due to their cumbersome design, making it difficult for patients to practice complex walking movements like climbing stairs or navigating obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A gait training apparatus with a movable base, adjustable arm arrangement, weight support system, movement detector, and projector that allows patients to be suspended and walk freely while the base follows them, enabling practice of various movements without being confined to specific rooms, with user-configurable angular ranges and obstacle navigation capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rail system is installed on ceiling or columns to enable flexible walking, then walking flexibility is improved, but device complexity and installation requirements worsen due to heavy and cumbersome structure requiring special rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the support function into two independent parts: a stationary anchor point (ceiling or wall mounting) and a mobile base unit with wheels. This segmentation allows the weight support system to be fixed in place while the patient support mechanism moves freely, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the heavy mechanical rail system with a mobile base unit that uses wheels for movement and a cable/suspension mechanism for weight support. This substitution eliminates the need for complex overhead rail infrastructure while maintaining patient mobility and support capabilities
2Ease of operation
If patient is fixed above treadmill for weight support, then weight bearing control is improved, but movement freedom worsens as patient cannot practice complex movements like climbing stairs
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static treadmill mounting to a dynamic mobile base unit that can follow the patient's movements. The base unit moves on wheels and adjusts its position to maintain support during various activities including walking, stair climbing, and obstacle navigation, providing both weight control and movement freedom
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile base unit acts as an intermediary between the fixed anchor point and the patient. It carries the weight support mechanism and follows the patient's movements, mediating between the need for stable weight support and the need for unrestricted patient movement during therapy
3Stability of the object's composition
If heavy rail system is installed in specialized room, then structural stability is improved, but deployment flexibility worsens as therapy must occur in equipped room only
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the stable anchor point (fixed to ceiling or wall) from the mobile base unit. The anchor point provides structural stability while the wheeled base unit provides deployment flexibility, allowing the therapy system to be used in various locations without requiring specialized room installation
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for gait training is provided. The apparatus comprises a movable base (11) which is controlled to follow a person (113) suspended from an arm arrangement (15, 16, 18) which is mounted to the movable base (11).