Overhead Gait Support Cart with Driven Trolley
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current body-weight support systems for gait training are limited in their ability to provide safe and effective over-ground walking therapy for individuals with severe gait impairments, as they often restrict movement on uneven terrain, require manual adjustment, and lack continuous modulation of body-weight support and data tracking.
Innovation Solution
A novel body-weight support system with a driven trolley that automatically moves above the user, allowing for over-ground walking on uneven terrain, continuous body-weight modulation, and data tracking of gait performance, while applying controlled perturbations to improve balance responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional body-weight support systems are used for over-ground gait training, then patient safety is improved through fall prevention, but therapist interaction with the patient's lower legs is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separate functional modules: an overhead support cart that provides body-weight support and a separate therapist interaction system. This segmentation allows the support function to be isolated overhead, clearing the ground level for therapist access to the patient's lower extremities while maintaining safety through continuous overhead support.
2Device complexity
If static unloading systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but abnormal ground reaction forces and altered muscle activation patterns occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static unloading to dynamic unloading by implementing continuous modulation of body-weight support. The support force is adjusted in real-time based on patient movement and therapeutic requirements, allowing natural gait patterns and ground reaction forces to be maintained while providing adaptive support throughout the gait cycle.
3Manufacturing precision
If static unloading with fixed shoulder strap length is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but vertical excursions are limited preventing balance and postural therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed shoulder strap length is replaced with a dynamically adjustable support mechanism. The overhead cart system allows vertical excursions through controlled movement along the overhead rail, enabling full range of motion for balance and postural therapy while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized rail and cart components.
4Productivity
If motorized over-ground gait trainers are used, then productivity is improved through automated tracking, but significant delays in system response occur making patients feel they are pulling a heavy cart
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback control where the overhead cart responds immediately to patient movement. Sensors detect patient position and movement intent, and the cart adjusts its position and support force continuously, eliminating the delay experienced with motorized trainers. This creates a responsive system that feels lightweight and follows patient motion naturally.
5Device complexity
If conventional systems require manual adjustment of body-weight support, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time occurs during setup and reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated body-weight support modulation that responds to patient needs without manual intervention. The overhead cart system automatically adjusts support levels based on sensor feedback and pre-programmed protocols, eliminating the time required for manual adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.
6Reliability
If conventional systems are used on smooth flat surfaces only, then reliability is improved through stable terrain, but adaptability is reduced preventing training on uneven terrain and stairs
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from ground-based support to overhead support, adding a vertical dimension to the support mechanism. The overhead cart travels along overhead rails, allowing the patient to walk on uneven terrain and stairs while the support point remains elevated and stable. This dimensional change decouples the support stability from the terrain variability.
Data Source
AI summary
A body-weight support system that allows individuals with severe gait impairments to practice over-ground walking in a safe, controlled manner is disclosed. The system includes a body-weight support system that rides along a driven trolley and can be controlled in response to the movement of the subject using the system. They system is also configured to apply strong, yet brief perturbations to a subject as they are stationary or performing a dynamic task, such as walking, side stepping, etc., via the trolley of a body weight support system.