Reciprocating Upper Extremity Support Assemblies for Treadmill Gait Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Treadmills lack effective upper extremity support and movement capabilities, particularly for users with impaired gripping functions or those requiring forearm support, limiting their ability to achieve natural gait patterns and adhere to locomotor training principles during rehabilitation.
Innovation Solution
The development of treadmills with interchangeable grip handle and forearm support assemblies that allow for unilateral or bilateral support, adjustable positioning, and braking functionality, enabling reciprocating movement of upper extremities to mimic natural gait patterns, including two, three, and four-point gaits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional static rails are used for upper extremity support, then upper body strength and stability are improved, but natural reciprocating arm movement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static rails into dynamic mobile support assemblies that can move along the rail in reciprocating motion. The support assembly includes a mobile carriage that travels along the rail, allowing the upper extremity support to dynamically follow the user's arm movement while maintaining stability through controlled motion rather than fixed positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile support assembly serves multiple functions: it provides stable support when needed, enables natural reciprocating movement, and can be used with different gait patterns (two-point, three-point, four-point). The same assembly accommodates various user needs from static support to dynamic movement facilitation.
2Ease of operation
If gripping support is used, then upper extremity support is provided, but users with impaired gripping function cannot effectively use it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides different types of support surfaces at different locations on the mobile assembly - grip handles for hand gripping and forearm support platforms for distal support. This local differentiation allows users to select the appropriate support type based on their specific functional needs, whether they can grip or require forearm support.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile support assembly dynamically adapts to user needs by allowing easy transition between grip support and forearm support modes. The assembly can be repositioned along the rail and adjusted to provide appropriate support levels, making it accessible to users with varying degrees of upper extremity function.
3Productivity
If continuous mobile support is provided on electric treadmills, then gait training is enabled, but discontinuous or slower stepping patterns cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile support assembly enables periodic, discontinuous support patterns that match various gait cycles. Users can advance the support assembly for two-point gait, hold it stationary for three-point gait, or use it in coordinated patterns for four-point gait. This periodic action allows slower, more deliberate stepping patterns while maintaining training effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from continuous automatic support to dynamic user-controlled support, allowing adjustment of support timing and position to match different gait velocities and patterns. This dynamic control enables both continuous and discontinuous support modes depending on training requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If forearm support assemblies are added to walkers, then forearm support is provided, but such supports are not available on treadmills
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile support assembly integrates multiple support types (grip handles and forearm platforms) into a single unified structure that can be mounted on treadmill rails. This universal design provides both grip and forearm support options without requiring separate independent systems, managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is segmented into modular components - the mobile carriage, grip handles, and forearm platforms can be independently configured and positioned. This segmentation allows flexibility in setup while maintaining overall system simplicity through standardized modular elements.
Data Source
AI summary
An upper body support assembly for use with an associated railed device having first and second rails is disclosed. The assembly includes first and second upper body supports capable of moving along the first and second rails, respectively. The upper body supports have at least one of: (i) first and second forearm supports, (ii) first and second hand grips, or (iii) a first forearm support and a first hand grip. An interconnecting member extends between and selectively connects both the first and second upper body supports to permit (i) interrelated movement therebetween when connected, and (ii) independent movement therebetween when disconnected. The assembly can achieve two point gait, three point gait, and four point gait movement.