Rehabilitation Device Link Mechanism for Adjustable Limb Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rehabilitation exercise devices for upper and lower limbs are complex, costly, and cumbersome, making it difficult for elderly or rehabilitation patients with weak muscles to perform effective exercises, especially as they often require installation in a specific location and are not easily portable.
Innovation Solution
A rehabilitation exercise device with a simplified structure that allows for adjustable mounting angles and easy portability, featuring a base plate and a mounting plate connected by a link mechanism, enabling users to perform exercises on a desk, chair, or mattress, with adjustable length and angle settings for upper and lower limbs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robotic shoulder apparatus with complex structure is used for passive rehabilitation, then rehabilitation function is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rehabilitation device is divided into separate functional modules: a base plate for stability, a mounting plate for exercise unit attachment, and a link mechanism for position adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining rehabilitation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate can be adjusted to multiple positions and angles through the link mechanism, enabling it to serve multiple rehabilitation functions for different joints and exercise types. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices, reducing complexity while providing comprehensive rehabilitation capabilities
2Reliability
If a fixed-location rehabilitation device is installed, then stable rehabilitation exercise is enabled, but portability and ease of movement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism enables dynamic repositioning of the mounting plate between fixed stable positions and portable configurations. The mechanism allows the device to be easily assembled and disassembled, transitioning from a stable installed state to a portable state, thus providing both exercise stability and portability
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable mounting angles are implemented for different limb conditions, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism acts as an intermediary between the base plate and mounting plate, providing a simple yet effective means of angle adjustment. This intermediary mechanism enables adaptable positioning for different limb conditions without requiring complex adjustment systems, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving versatility
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 users to perform rehabilitation exercises efficiently and comfortably in various settings, reducing the risk of joint stiffness and pain, while minimizing costs and logistical challenges associated with traditional devices.
Implementation Method 1
a link member (530) having opposite sides, wherein opposite sides of the link member (530) are rotatably coupled to the base plate (510) and the mounting plate (520), respectively, and the link member (530) is configured to adjust an angle between the base plate (510) and the mounting plate (520) by being rotated about a pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
a link member (530) having opposite sides, wherein opposite sides of the link member (530) are rotatably coupled to the base plate (510) and the mounting plate (520), respectively, and the link member (530) is configured to adjust an angle between the base plate (510) and the mounting plate (520) by being rotated about a pivot axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Proposed is a rehabilitation exercise device for upper and lower limbs. The rehabilitation exercise device is characterized by including: a first support supporting a user's hand or foot; a second support supporting a user's forearm or calf; a pair of first hinges rotatably connecting the first support and the second support to each other; a third support supporting a user's upper arm or thigh; a pair of second hinges rotatably connecting the second support and the third support to each other; and a drive module selectively mounted on any one of the pair of first hinges and the pair of second hinges, and configured to pivot the first support or the second support.