Translational-Rotary Rehab Machine With Modular Pulley Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rehabilitation devices for upper and lower limbs are cumbersome, expensive, and structurally complex, limiting their practicality and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A translational-rotary machine with a simplified structure, reduced dimensions, and lightweight design that allows for both passive and active therapy options, utilizing motorized translational-rotary members connected to pulleys and shafts for controlled limb movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rehabilitation devices are used, then effective therapy is provided, but the devices are cumbersome, expensive and structurally complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: a base unit with motorization means, separate translational-rotary members (carriage, pulleys, shafts), and interchangeable tools. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions independently, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit with motorization and transmission system serves multiple functions: it can drive different translational-rotary members, support various tools, and provide both passive and active therapy modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices, simplifying the overall system structure.
2Reliability
If traditional rehabilitation devices are used, then effective therapy is provided, but the devices are large in dimensions and heavy in weight
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the heavy motorization base from the lighter translational-rotary members and tools, the moving parts (carriage, shafts, tools) become significantly lighter while the base remains stationary. This allows effective therapy without requiring heavy moving components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces lightweight intermediary components such as pulleys, cables, and transmission mechanisms that transfer force from the stationary base to the moving members. These intermediaries enable effective force transmission without requiring the moving parts themselves to be heavy.
3Reliability
If traditional rehabilitation devices are used, then effective therapy is provided, but the devices are expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The modular architecture allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard manufacturing processes. The base unit, translational-rotary members, and tools can be produced separately and assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to traditional integrated devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs variable parameters in the transmission system (adjustable pulley ratios, interchangeable gears) that allow the same base unit to adapt to different therapeutic requirements without requiring expensive custom manufacturing for each application.
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
The machine provides effective and versatile rehabilitation therapy by enabling passive or active exercises with reduced complexity and size, making it more accessible and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a first pair of pulleys arranged in the proximity of an end of the frame, the pulleys of said first pair being arranged along a substantially vertical axis
Implementation Method 2
the pulleys of the third pair of pulleys are associated with respective shafts, said shafts being in turn connected with a first transmission wheel and with a second transmission wheel
Implementation Method 3
the two transmission wheels are operatively connected so as to compose a system for the transmission, reduction, or multiplication of the motion
Data Source
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AI summary
A translational-rotary machine (1), in particular for the physical exercises of limbs, comprising motor means (4, 4') and translational-rotary members (3), wherein the translational-rotary members (3) comprising a movable carriage (13), a lower shaft (15) passing through the carriage (13), a first return pulley (16) integrally keyed onto the lower shaft (15) on the front side (7) of the machine (1), a first toothed wheel (17) integrally keyed onto the lower shaft (15) on the rear side (8) of the machine (1), an upper shaft (14) passing through the carriage (13), said upper shaft (14) being vertically aligned with the lower shaft (15), a second return pulley (18) idly mounted onto the upper shaft (14) on the rear side (8) of the machine (1), a first transmission member (20) arranged on a front side (7) of the machine (1), said first transmission member (20) being adapted to operatively connect the motor means (4, 4') to the first return pulley (16), a second transmission member (21) arranged on a rear side (8) of the machine (1), said second transmission member (21) being adapted to operatively connect the motor means (4, 4') to the second return pulley (18), wherein the second return pulley (18) is operatively connected to the first toothed wheel (17) so that the force transmitted by the second transmission member (21) acts on the upper section of the first toothed wheel (17), and wherein the force transmitted by the first transmission member (20) acts on the lower section of the first return pulley (16).