Pivoting Lower Limb Therapy Device for Scar Tissue Breakdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rehabilitation devices for lower limbs after injuries or surgery often lack the capability to provide both passive and active motion therapy, particularly in breaking down scar tissue, and are not easily usable at home without assistance.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting lower limb therapy device comprising two L-shaped frames pivotally coupled, allowing application of static or dynamic force to stretch contracted tissue, enabling both passive and active motion therapy, including resistive actions, and adjustable strap assembly for static or dynamic stretches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rehabilitation device is designed to provide only passive motion, then it is simple to operate, but it cannot provide active motion therapy needed to break down scar tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines both passive motion capability (through the pivot mechanism that allows gravity-assisted movement) and active motion capability (through the resistance mechanism with springs and cables that provide controlled resistance). This multi-functionality allows a single device to deliver both types of therapy, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and therapeutic versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rehabilitation device provides both passive and active motion therapy, then it is more versatile, but it becomes more complex and difficult to use at home without assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a pivot mechanism for passive motion, a resistance mechanism with springs and cables for active motion, and an adjustable strap system for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall complex device manageable and suitable for home use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates self-adjusting features including spring-loaded resistance mechanisms that automatically provide controlled force, and an adjustable strap system that allows users to configure the device for different therapy modes without requiring external assistance. This enables patients to perform both passive and active motion therapy independently at home.
3Reliability
If immobilization time is increased to allow bone healing, then bone healing is improved, but connective tissue shortening and scarring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables patients to perform rehabilitation exercises immediately after surgery while the bone is still immobilized. The passive motion capability allows gentle movement that prevents connective tissue shortening and scarring during the immobilization period, addressing the harmful effect before it fully develops while the bone heals.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective breakdown of scar tissue and restoration of limb range of motion through self-propelled, adjustable, and user-controlled therapy, facilitating rehabilitation at home without the need for external assistance.
Implementation Method 1
a first frame member is movably attached to a second frame member so as to permit the first orthotic portion to move across two dimensions relative to the second orthotic portion in response to an exertion of mechanical force on the handle portion
Data Source
AI summary
A pivoting lower limb therapy device formed from a lever frame having a handle portion integral with its proximal end and a first orthotic portion adjacent to its distal end, a base frame having a second orthotic portion integral with its proximal frame end and a surface support portion integral with its distal frame end, with the lever frame rotatably attached to the base frame so as to permit the first orthotic portion to move across two dimensions relative to the second orthotic portion in response to an exertion of mechanical force on the handle portion. The pivoting lower limb therapy device may also include a strap assembly connected to and extending between the proximal end of the lever frame and the proximal frame end of the base frame so as to exert mechanical force on the two frame members.