Locomotor Training Support Arm With Anti-Torsion Stabilizing Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing muscle training devices for the locomotor system are either too bulky and heavy due to the need for two holding arms for functional movements, or they do not allow for dynamic movement training, and they fail to effectively train balance and spatial orientation without risking falls.
Innovation Solution
A muscle training device with a resilient element coupled to a stabilizing assembly that prevents torsion of the holding arm and restricts its movement, allowing the support unit to move within a predetermined volume, enabling natural walking or running movements while maintaining balance and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two holding arms are used for functional movements, then patient stability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two holding arms into a single holding arm that incorporates both support and stabilization functions. The stabilizing assembly is integrated into the holding arm structure, allowing one component to perform the functions previously requiring two separate arms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining patient stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single holding arm is designed with multi-functionality through the integrated stabilizing assembly. It simultaneously provides support for the patient's body weight and prevents torsion of the lower limb, replacing the need for separate holding arms while maintaining comprehensive patient stability.
2Ease of operation
If holding brackets are used for unsupported standing, then patient independence is improved, but safety decreases for patients unable to stand steadily
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element is pre-installed in the holding arm to provide cushioning and shock absorption before a fall occurs. This allows the device to safely accommodate patients who cannot stand steadily by absorbing impact forces during loss of balance, maintaining both patient independence and safety simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient element acts as an intermediary between the patient's body weight and the rigid structure of the device. It mediates the transition from rigid support to compliant support, allowing patients to stand with independence while providing safety through shock absorption and controlled movement restriction.
3Productivity
If free movement is allowed for natural movement dynamics, then training effectiveness is improved, but risk of falling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic movement restriction through the stabilizing assembly that allows controlled movement within a predetermined volume. The holding arm can move dynamically to accommodate natural movement patterns while the stabilizing assembly dynamically restricts movement boundaries, enabling effective training without falling risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the parameter of movement freedom by implementing controlled restriction. Instead of complete freedom or complete restriction, the stabilizing assembly creates an optimal parameter state where movement is permitted within safe boundaries, maintaining training effectiveness while eliminating falling risk.
4Weight of moving object
If compact and light design is implemented, then device portability is improved, but structural stability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into functional modules: the holding arm for support, the stabilizing assembly for restriction, and the resilient element for cushioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for minimal weight while maintaining its specific function, achieving overall device portability without compromising structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes material and structural parameters to achieve lightweight construction. By optimizing the parameters of the holding arm and stabilizing assembly materials and configurations, the device achieves reduced weight while maintaining the structural stability required for safe patient support and movement restriction.
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 allows for effective training of locomotor system muscles with natural movement dynamics, enhancing spatial coordination and balance without the risk of stumbling, while being compact and lightweight, and providing fall cushioning.
Implementation Method 1
the holding arm is mounted, in the region of its bottom end remote from the support unit, on a carrier chassis by means of at least one resilient element
Implementation Method 2
The support unit will cushion a fall of the patient, since the support unit and thus the hip of the patient can only move in a predetermined safety region
Data Source
AI summary
In a device for training the musculature of the human locomotor system, comprising a support unit which is at least indirectly attached at one end to a holding arm and at the other end can be releasably attached to a patient, wherein the holding arm is at least indirectly mounted, at its bottom end remote from the support unit, on a carrier chassis by means of at least one resilient element, training of walking or running movements implementing natural movement dynamics without risk of stumbling or falling is made possible in that a resilient element is coupled to at least one stabilizing assembly, which prevents torsion of the holding arm about its longitudinal axis and also restricts movement of the holding arm such that the end of the holding arm remote from the carrier chassis is capable of movement over a predetermined area and the support unit pivotally attached to the holding arm is thereby capable of movement within a predetermined volume.