Shoulder Rotating Apparatus with Ball Track Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rehabilitation devices are inadequate in assisting users in regaining strength and range of motion in the shoulder after injuries or surgery, as they fail to provide effective and adjustable resistance and motion facilitation.
Innovation Solution
A shoulder rotating apparatus comprising a base, support plate, adjustable support assembly, tracks, ball, and strap system that allows for controlled movement of the shoulder and upper arm, enabling gradual increase in resistance and range of motion through the use of a ball within tracks and a strap secured to the user's hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current rehabilitation devices are used, then basic shoulder movement is possible, but effective resistance and motion facilitation are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a dynamic track system where the ball can move along different tracks with varying degrees of freedom. The tracks are arranged to provide progressive resistance and motion facilitation, allowing the device to adapt to different rehabilitation stages and user capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of motion resistance by utilizing the geometric configuration of multiple tracks. As the ball moves from one track to another, the resistance and motion facilitation parameters are automatically adjusted, providing progressive rehabilitation without requiring manual intervention
2Ease of operation
If a simple strap system is used, then ease of operation is improved, but controlled and adjustable movement is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The ball acts as an intermediary element between the user's hand (secured by the simple strap) and the complex track system. The ball's movement along the tracks translates simple user input into controlled, multi-directional motion that would otherwise require complex mechanical control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes the user's own body weight and arm movement to drive the ball along the tracks. The gravitational force and user-applied forces automatically navigate the ball through the appropriate tracks, eliminating the need for external motors or complex control systems
Data Source
AI summary
A shoulder rotating apparatus assists a user in regaining strength and range of motion in the user's shoulder after shoulder injuries or surgery. The apparatus includes a base and a support plate. A support assembly couples the support plate to the base. A track extends into a bottom of the support plate. A ball is positionable within the track. A strap is coupled to the ball and is configured for securing to a hand of a user such that movement of the ball within the track facilitates movement of the shoulder and upper arm of the user when the user's hand is positioned within the strap.