Rotating Platform Physiotherapy Device for Curved Walking Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing physiotherapy devices fail to effectively train and rehabilitate the muscles responsible for intra- and extra-rotation of the lower limbs, particularly during curved walking, which is crucial for preventing falls and improving gait in elderly, frail, or neurodegenerative disease patients, and there is a lack of simple, safe devices for use by healthy individuals or those with locomotor disorders.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a rotating platform that supports the user's feet, allowing passive and active intra- and extra-rotation of the legs while walking in place, with motorized control and a fixed handrail for stability, simulating curved trajectories to enhance muscle coordination and balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional physiotherapy devices are used, then general muscle strengthening is achieved, but specific training of intra- and extra-rotator muscles during curved walking is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: a rotating platform for simulating curved trajectories, a linear treadmill for forward motion, and a support frame structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall goal of training intra- and extra-rotator muscles during curved walking.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating platform is nested within the support frame structure, and the linear treadmill is positioned on top of the rotating platform. This nested arrangement allows the device to maintain a compact footprint while integrating multiple functional elements, reducing overall device complexity while providing specialized curved walking training capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex motorized systems are used to simulate curved trajectories, then accurate muscle coordination training is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a dynamically adjustable rotating platform that can be manually or mechanically rotated to different angles to simulate various curved trajectories. This dynamic adjustment capability allows precise simulation of different walking paths without requiring complex motorized control systems, maintaining manufacturing precision while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device simulates different curved walking trajectories by changing the rotation angle and speed of the platform, as well as the walking speed on the treadmill. These parameter changes allow accurate muscle coordination training for various curved paths without requiring complex motorized systems, achieving precision through simple parameter adjustment rather than complex control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the device provides comprehensive support for elderly and frail patients, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a handrail system and stable support frame structure that provide beforehand cushioning and protection for elderly and frail patients. These passive safety features are built into the device structure, providing reliable support without requiring complex active control systems, thus improving safety while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows patients to self-regulate their walking speed and intensity on the treadmill while the rotating platform provides passive mechanical support. This self-service approach enables frail patients to exercise at their own pace with inherent safety margins, reducing the need for complex motorized control and monitoring systems while maintaining high reliability and safety.
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 device effectively reinforces and coordinates lower limb muscles, reducing fall risk, aiding rehabilitation, and promoting neuromuscular coordination, suitable for preventive, rehabilitative, and therapeutic purposes, including pre-surgery muscle reinforcement.
Implementation Method 1
The platform (3) is configured to rotate in a horizontal plane on an axis of its own
Implementation Method 2
motorized means (4) configured to set the platform (3) in rotation
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A device for physiotherapy treatments includes a base body (2), a platform (3), motorized means (4), a fixed frame (5) and a control unit (6). The platform (3) is rotatably coupled to the base body (2) and is configured to support a user's body. The user walks on the spot, the lower limbs being periodically rotated passively during the foot support phase during walking and actively by the user during the foot lifting phase. The intra-and extra-rotation of the limbs is the maximum possible, with the pelvis being along the vertical axis of rotation and the feet straddling the center of rotation of the platform. The motorized means (4) are configured to rotate the platform (3) with respect to the base body (2) and are controlled by the control unit (6). The fixed frame (5) is coupled to the base body (2) and defines a handrail for the user.