Telescoping UE Support Assembly for Variable Resistance Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assistive devices for rehabilitation and exercise, such as railed devices, lack effective mechanisms for providing variable resistance and support for upper extremity movement, limiting their effectiveness in gait rehabilitation, balance training, and therapeutic activities.
Innovation Solution
The use of telescoping interconnecting members with springs, which allow for adjustable resistance and movement patterns, enabling reciprocating, out-of-phase, or alternating arm movements by varying the spring force and displacement, facilitates symmetrical and asymmetrical upper extremity motion during activities like walking and marching within parallel bars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing assistive devices provide uniform resistance, then device structure is simple, but upper extremity support and movement control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the resistance mechanism adjustable and variable. The spring-loaded telescoping assembly allows the resistance to change during movement, providing dynamic control rather than uniform static resistance. This enables adapted support for different upper extremity movement patterns while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by incorporating springs with varying force constants and telescoping members with adjustable lengths. These parameter changes allow the device to provide variable resistance levels and support forces, enhancing adaptability for different rehabilitation stages and user needs without fundamentally complicating the device architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed support structures are used, then device structure is simple, but adjustability for variable resistance and movement patterns is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions from fixed to dynamic through the telescoping assembly. The telescoping members can extend and compress, allowing the support position and resistance to vary during exercise. This dynamic capability provides adjustability for different movement patterns while keeping the structural complexity manageable through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses nesting by placing telescoping members inside one another and springs within the telescoping assembly. This nested configuration allows multiple adjustable components to be integrated in a compact manner, providing variable resistance and movement adjustability without significantly increasing the overall device footprint or structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobile housings with telescoping members are used, then variable resistance and movement patterns are enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile housing with telescoping members and springs serves multiple functions: it provides variable resistance, enables different movement patterns, supports various upper extremity exercises, and accommodates different user weights and abilities. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by consolidating multiple capabilities into a single integrated assembly rather than requiring separate devices for each function.
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
This solution enhances the user's ability to perform therapeutic exercises by providing adjustable resistance and support, allowing for controlled and effective upper extremity movement patterns, thereby improving rehabilitation and exercise outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is placed inside of the two sliding tubes
Implementation Method 2
The spring can be a compression spring or an extension spring
Implementation Method 3
The amount of force needed to push/pull assemblies depends on the physical characteristics of the spring, as well as resistance to glide of the housing along the rails
Data Source
AI summary
A patient aid assembly for a railed device having first and second associated rails in parallel relation, and an interconnecting member joining first and second mobile upper extremity support assemblies.