Portable Leg Press Frame for Wheelchair-Based Physical Therapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Geriatric and bariatric patients in wheelchairs face challenges in performing weight-bearing exercises due to weakness, paralysis, or deconditioning, leading to prolonged recovery and increased hospital stays, as traditional leg press machines are difficult to use in this context.

Innovation Solution

A portable leg exercise apparatus designed for use in a wheelchair, incorporating a supporting frame with a foot platform and adjustable angle, allowing patients to perform resistance training while seated, with a method involving a physical therapist to exert force and have the patient counterforce, promoting muscle strengthening and independence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional leg press machines are used, then resistance training can be provided, but patients in wheelchairs cannot access them due to mobility limitations and excessive weight requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessibility to leg exercise apparatusVSAvoidPatient weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is divided into separate components: a foot platform assembly, a supporting frame, and a positioning mechanism. This segmentation allows the equipment to be lightweight and easily transported to the patient's location rather than requiring the patient to move to heavy equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A mechanical advantage system using pulleys and ropes acts as an intermediary between the patient's limited leg strength and the resistance force. The therapist applies force to the rope, which is transmitted through the pulley system to create controlled resistance at the foot platform, enabling patients with minimal active motion to perform resistance training.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If patients are lifted mechanically to achieve weight-bearing, then they can be positioned for exercise, but they receive no weight-bearing muscle use during the transfer process

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRecovery speedVSAvoidTime in wheelchair

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus enables patients to perform weight-bearing exercises while remaining in their wheelchair, eliminating the need for repeated mechanical lifting transfers. Patients can exercise in situ, converting what would be non-productive wheelchair time into productive rehabilitation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a portable apparatus is used for medical isolation patients, then exercise can be performed in the room, but the apparatus must be easily disinfected for next use

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveExercise capability in isolationVSAvoidDisinfection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The foot platform and contacting surfaces are designed with smooth, non-porous surfaces that can be easily visualized and tracked during cleaning. The apparatus structure allows for complete visual inspection and access to all surfaces that require disinfection, ensuring thorough cleaning between patients in isolation settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

4Device complexity

If the foot platform angle is fixed, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot accommodate different patient needs and exercise phases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveApparatus structureVSAvoidExercise angle adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The foot platform assembly incorporates a positioning mechanism with multiple grooves that allow the platform to be adjusted to different angles and positions. This dynamic adjustability enables customization for different patient capabilities and exercise phases without requiring complex motorized systems, maintaining mechanical simplicity while providing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution enables faster recovery, reduces hospital stays, and improves quality of life by allowing weight-bearing exercises in a wheelchair, promoting muscle rebuilding and eventual independence in sit-to-stand movements and gait locomotion.

Implementation Method 1

a connecting portion extending from a lower portion of the leg disposition assembly to pivotably connect with the first and second arms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8939872B2Leg exercise apparatus and method of conducting physical therapy using same

Publication Date: 2015.01.27 SPRAGUE TODD E

AI summary

A leg exercise apparatus having a supporting frame, a leg disposition assembly and a connecting panel. The supporting frame is pivotably connected to the leg disposition assembly, and an upper portion of the connecting panel is pivotably connected to the leg disposition assembly on its backside. A positioning bar passes through a lower portion of the connecting panel and is disposed in positioning grooves located on both arms of the supporting frame to secure the connecting panel. An end opening is located at an end of the supporting frame and connects to two tunnel grooves at both arms so the positioning bar can be pushed out through the tunnel grooves and end opening, which leads the leg disposition assembly to collapse into the supporting frame to form a compact and portable leg exercise apparatus.