Segmented Rehabilitation Device for Upper and Lower Limbs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rehabilitation exercise devices for upper and lower limbs are complex, costly, and cumbersome, making them difficult for elderly or rehabilitation patients with weak muscles to use effectively, as they require installation and are not easily portable, limiting their ability to perform joint exercises conveniently.
Innovation Solution
A rehabilitation exercise device with a simplified structure that includes a base plate, a mounting plate, and a link mechanism allowing horizontal motion to be converted into vertical motion, enabling easy adjustment and mounting on various surfaces, along with a drive module that can pivot supports to facilitate normal motion-like exercises 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 making it difficult for more users to afford
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent supports (first support for hand/foot, second support for forearm/calf, third support for upper arm/thigh) that can be independently adjusted and positioned. Each support can be separately modified to suit different rehabilitation needs, allowing the device to maintain functionality while reducing overall complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The same three supports are designed to serve multiple functions by adjusting their positions and angles. The first support can accommodate both hand and foot, the second support can support both forearm and calf, and the third support can hold both upper arm and thigh, making the device versatile for different rehabilitation scenarios without requiring additional components.
2Reliability
If a large robotic rehabilitation device is installed in a fixed location, then rehabilitation exercise can be performed, but the device is difficult to move requiring users to travel to the equipment location
Solution Approach 1:
The rehabilitation device consists of separate, modular supports that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Each support is an independent component that can be individually positioned and adjusted, allowing the entire system to be quickly set up or packed away without requiring heavy lifting or complex installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The supports are designed with adjustable and movable characteristics, allowing them to be dynamically repositioned to different locations and angles. This dynamic design enables the device to adapt to various environments and user needs while maintaining ease of movement and reconfiguration.
3Strength
If traditional exercise equipment is used, then muscle strengthening can be achieved, but elderly or rehabilitation patients with weak muscles find it difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
Each support is designed with specific local characteristics optimized for its function. The first support is configured to accommodate the hand or foot, the second support is designed for the forearm or calf, and the third support is structured for the upper arm or thigh. This localized optimization allows each component to provide appropriate support and exercise resistance tailored to the specific body part and user capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for easy adjustment of various parameters including support positions, angles, and spacing. Users with weak muscles can adjust the supports to positions that provide maximum support and minimize effort, while still enabling effective rehabilitation exercise. The adjustable nature of the device allows parameters to be changed to match the user's current muscle strength and rehabilitation stage.
Data Source
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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.