Telescoping Rotational Assistive Device for Stroke Rehabilitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stroke survivors with hemiparesis face significant challenges in regaining mobility and independence due to limited motor ability and impaired balance, which hinders their participation in daily activities and recreational pursuits.
Innovation Solution
A rotational assistive device with telescoping leg portions and a ball-and-socket joint allows for multi-axis movement, enabling secure attachment to various implements like golf clubs, providing stabilization and enhanced power during motion through extension from a closed to an extended position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed-length rigid body is used for implement handling, then structural simplicity is maintained, but it cannot adapt to varying swing dynamics and provides limited stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The main body portion transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic telescoping structure with multiple leg portions that can extend and retract. This allows the device to adapt its length during operation to match the varying dynamics of different swing speeds and implement weights, providing optimal stabilization throughout the motion range.
Solution Approach 2:
The main body portion is divided into multiple telescoping leg portions (first, second, third, and fourth leg portions) that can move independently. This segmentation allows each segment to contribute to the overall stabilization function while enabling the structure to accommodate varying operational requirements through differential extension and retraction.
2Power
If the device length is extended for powerful swings, then swing power is enhanced, but the device becomes harder to store and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping leg portions can dynamically adjust between extended and retracted states, allowing the device to achieve maximum length for powerful swings and minimum length for compact storage and transport. This dynamic length adjustment resolves the contradiction between needing extended length for power and compact length for storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping leg portions are arranged in a nested configuration where inner portions can slide within outer portions. This nesting allows the multiple leg portions to be compacted into a small package for storage while still providing the capability to extend to full length when needed for swing operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device allows multi-axis movement for adaptability, then versatility is improved, but mechanical stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball-and-socket joints provide controlled multi-axis movement that allows the device to adapt to different swing planes and user orientations while maintaining mechanical stability through the spherical constraint mechanism. The joints enable necessary degrees of freedom for versatility while the spherical geometry provides inherent stability by constraining movement to a defined center point.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball-and-socket joints act as intermediary elements between the rigid components, allowing relative multi-axis movement while maintaining a stable connection. These joints mediate between the need for adaptability (multi-axis movement) and the need for mechanical stability by providing a controlled articulation point that permits motion within defined geometric constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotational assistive device includes a first end portion configured for operable connection with a user, and a second end portion configured for operable connection with an implement utilized via a swinging motion. A main body portion extends between the first end portion and the second end portion. The main body portion includes a plurality of telescoping leg portions, such that when the implement and rotational assistive device are swung, the main body portion moves between a closed position having a closed length and an extended position having an extended length greater than the closed length.