Powered Rehabilitation Device for Joint Motion Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current assistive and rehabilitative devices for individuals with impaired mobility, such as those post-stroke, primarily focus on immediate mobility support rather than long-term rehabilitation of muscle strength and neural pathways for independent, volitionally-controlled movement.
Innovation Solution
A powered device is attached above and below a joint to assist in extending the range of motion, allowing patients to move volitionally within their current range and then supporting movement beyond that range, thereby promoting muscle strengthening and neural retraining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If passive assistance devices (canes, crutches, walkers) are used to assist with immediate mobility, then mobility support is improved, but rehabilitation toward device-free independent mobility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a passive support mode to an active rehabilitation mode. The powered joint device initially provides mechanical support for immediate mobility, then dynamically switches to assistive mode where it provides controlled resistance and assistance to promote active muscle engagement and neural pathway retraining, enabling progression toward device-free independent mobility
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables patients to actively participate in their own rehabilitation through volitional movement initiation. The system detects voluntary movement attempts and provides appropriate assistance, allowing patients to self-regulate their rehabilitation intensity and progress independently while the device adapts to their capabilities
2Ease of operation
If active or powered mobility devices (motorized wheelchairs) are used to provide mobility benefits, then mobility assistance is improved, but development of strength and regaining independent functional mobility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically adjusts assistance parameters based on patient performance. It provides variable resistance and assistance levels that challenge the patient's remaining muscle strength while preventing complete dependency. The system modifies operational parameters in real-time to optimize both mobility assistance and strength development, transitioning from high assistance to lower assistance as strength improves
3Reliability
If manual braces with clutch-based knee hinges are used to maintain joint flexion or extension position, then supported functionality is improved, but rehabilitation toward device-free independent mobility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces manual clutch-based mechanical locking systems with a powered actuation system. The clutch mechanism is substituted with an electric motor and control system that can dynamically adjust joint support levels, transition between locked and unlocked states, and provide controlled resistance during movement, enabling both joint support and active rehabilitation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to embodiments of methods for extending a subject-controllable range of joint motion, and for increasing subject control of joint movement within a range of motion. Embodiments include fastening a powered device around a joint so as to be able to control the joint, allowing the subject to move the joint within a range of volitional motion, and then engaging the powered device to support movement of the joint into an expanded, rehabilitative range. In some embodiments, the device supports joint movement by substantially providing the force to move the joint beyond the volitional boundary. In other embodiments, supporting movement includes the subject substantially providing the force, and the device allowing movement only in a desired direction. The invention further relates to a system for increasing the functional capability of a joint by implementing embodiments of the method. By such methods and system, rehabilitation is accomplished both by building strength, and training neural pathways.