Multi-modal Rehabilitation Device with Integrated Knee Stabilizer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current rehabilitation devices for knee rehabilitation post-surgery or injury require multiple, expensive, and inconvenient equipment for various therapy modalities, leading to high costs and complexity in sourcing, assembly, and use.

Innovation Solution

A multi-modal rehabilitation device with a reconfigurable lockable knee stabilizer and removable foot plate equipped with rollers and a self-deflating thermal-compression device, providing adjustable support, compression, thermal therapy, passive and active range of motion, and strengthening exercises in a single, user-friendly device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate rehabilitation equipment are used for various therapy modalities, then comprehensive rehabilitation coverage is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverehabilitation therapy coverageVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate rehabilitation devices into a single integrated apparatus that provides knee stabilization, compression therapy, thermal therapy, and range of motion exercises through unified structural components and mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rehabilitation device is designed with multi-functional components that can perform different therapy modalities - the knee stabilizer provides both stabilization and controlled motion, the compression device offers both compression and thermal therapy, and the foot plate enables both exercise and massage functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate rehabilitation equipment are used for various therapy modalities, then comprehensive rehabilitation coverage is achieved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverehabilitation therapy coverageVSAvoidequipment quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate rehabilitation equipment are used for various therapy modalities, then comprehensive rehabilitation coverage is achieved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverehabilitation therapy coverageVSAvoidoperation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If prolonged and sustained compression is applied, then swelling is reduced, but fluid flow is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswelling reductionVSAvoidfluid flow restriction

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The compression device is designed to provide periodic compression cycles rather than continuous sustained compression, allowing intervals where compression is reduced or released to maintain proper fluid flow while still achieving swelling reduction over time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The compression device allows adjustment of compression parameters including pressure level and duration, enabling optimization between swelling reduction and fluid flow maintenance based on treatment stage and patient needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20240091587A1Multi-modal rehabilitation device and methods

Publication Date: 2024.03.21 SHAWL THEODROS

AI summary

Apparatus and methods relate to a multi-modal rehabilitation device having a reconfigurably lockable, adjustable knee stabilizer and a removable foot plate provided with removable resistance elements. In an illustrative example, the resistance elements may be repositionable. The foot plate may be provided with rollers. The rollers may be configured for use in gliding exercises. The rollers may be configured for self-massage therapy. The rollers may be removable. The rollers may be disposed in a removable leg band which may be disposed around a leg of a user. In an illustrative example, the device further includes a graduated self-deflating thermal-compression device. Various embodiments may provide multiple therapy modalities in an efficient, economical, and user-friendly device.