Off-axis Training Mechanism for Neuromuscular Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current exercise equipment primarily focuses on sagittal plane movements, failing to effectively train and prevent musculoskeletal injuries associated with off-axis motions, such as tibial rotation and valgus, which are common in high-risk sports.
Innovation Solution
An off-axis training and evaluation mechanism that combines sagittal plane movements with isolated or combined off-axis exercises like tibial pivoting and mediolateral sliding, utilizing servomotors and linear motors to provide controlled resistance and real-time feedback, adaptable for use with existing exercise machines like ellipticals and stair climbers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If exercise equipment focuses on sagittal plane movements, then the equipment design is simple and familiar, but off-axis neuromuscular control is not trained leading to injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sagittal plane movement mechanisms with off-axis rotation and lateral sliding mechanisms into a single exercise device. The footplate is coupled to both the sagittal plane drive system and off-axis control systems (servomotors for rotation, linear motors for sliding), allowing simultaneous training of multiple movement planes that would otherwise require separate equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The exercise device is designed to perform multiple functions: sagittal plane stepping/running, tibial rotation training, and mediolateral sliding training. This multi-functional approach allows a single piece of equipment to address various aspects of lower limb neuromuscular control, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices.
2Reliability
If isolated off-axis exercises are provided, then off-axis muscle strength is trained, but the training is not practical for functional weight-bearing activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges isolated off-axis exercise capabilities with functional sagittal plane weight-bearing movements. Users perform stepping or running motions while simultaneously training tibial rotation and mediolateral control, making the training directly applicable to sports activities and functional movements rather than isolated muscle strengthening.
3Adaptability or versatility
If off-axis training mechanisms are added to existing exercise machines, then comprehensive neuromuscular control is trained, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the off-axis training mechanisms to be adaptable to multiple types of existing exercise machines (elliptical machines, stair climbers, treadmills). The footplate coupling system and control mechanisms can be integrated into different sagittal plane movement systems, allowing a single design to enhance various equipment types rather than requiring machine-specific solutions.
Data Source
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AI summary
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most commonly injured knee ligament in sports-related activities, especially in pivoting sports. Considering that the knee is free to flex/extend but has much more limited motions about the off-axis (tibial rotation and valgus/varus), ACL injuries are often associated with excessive off-axis loadings. A pivoting/sliding mechanism combined with sagittal plane movement/exercise is described as a diagnostic tool to evaluate off-axis neuromechanical and anatomical risk factors of noncontact ACL injuries. The pivoting/sliding mechanism is also described as an intervention tool for off-axis training, possibly based on the diagnosis, to reduce the incidence of ACL injuries. Training outcome can also be evaluated using the pivoting/sliding mechanism. In general, the pivoting/sliding mechanism can be used with many sagittal plane exercise machines and used to improve off-axis control of the lower limbs and reduce lower limb injuries.