Passive Extremity Motion Supports With Exchangeable Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extremity support devices for muscular relaxation and stimulation have fixed configurations that are uncomfortable and inefficient, with rotation and fixation systems prone to deterioration, limited motion range, and accessibility issues, particularly for users in wheelchairs.
Innovation Solution
The device features exchangeable padded supports, a robust rotation mechanism, and structural enhancements allowing adjustable pitch and extended motion range, along with wheelchair accessibility features, including telescopic arms and a programmable control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed configuration supports are used, then device structure is simple, but comfort and effectiveness are reduced due to anatomical mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The support is divided into a base structure and interchangeable padded inserts. Each insert can be independently selected and attached to match different anatomical configurations (arms, legs, feet, hands), allowing the single support structure to serve multiple purposes without requiring multiple fixed-configuration supports.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system transitions from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic interchangeable configuration. The padded inserts can be easily attached and detached, allowing the support to adapt its configuration based on the specific extremity being treated, thereby improving comfort and effectiveness while maintaining simple device structure.
2Reliability
If screw tightening system is used for rotation fixation, then initial fixation is achieved, but reliability deteriorates over time due to vibration and material wear
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation fixation system uses a spring-loaded detent mechanism that automatically maintains fixation pressure and compensates for wear. The spring continuously applies force to keep the detent engaged with the notches, ensuring reliable fixation without requiring periodic manual tightening or adjustment by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The design anticipates wear and vibration effects by incorporating a spring mechanism that maintains constant contact pressure between the fixation elements. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even as materials wear over time, the fixation reliability is maintained through the continuous compensatory force of the spring.
3Productivity
If limited motion range is provided, then device structure is simple, but effectiveness is reduced for comprehensive muscular recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is designed to accommodate multiple extremities (both arms and legs) and multiple positions (seated and lying down) using the same basic mechanism. The interchangeable pads and adjustable positioning allow a single device structure to provide comprehensive motion for different body parts and recovery needs, improving effectiveness without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Ease of operation
If fixed pitch supports are used, then manufacturing is simple, but ease of operation is reduced due to inability to adjust for different positions
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into a standardized base and interchangeable padded inserts. This segmentation allows the base to be manufactured once with fixed pitch holes, while the inserts provide the variability needed for different positions and extremities, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains fixed pitch geometry for manufacturing simplicity, but achieves adjustability for different positions through the interchangeable padded inserts that can be configured in various orientations and positions on the standardized base structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
Extremities passive motion device for muscular recovery, relax or stimulation with a framework (2) with two supports (3) for the extremities of the user, and driving means (20), that move them in a to and fro horizontal motion in opposite directions on the axis (24) of a box (4) to which they are joined, which is joined in a rotating manner by its ends to side arms (5a) of a tilting frame (5), where the supports (3) are parts with withdrawable and exchangeable pads (8, 8', 8", 8‴); a rotation mechanism (9) is provided, of the box, that can be driven by a handle (10) the box (4) is withdrawable and a structure of rails (16) is provided that can be docked to the framework (2) for wheelchairs.