Multi-Joint Therapy Machine With Geared Hinge Joint Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for exercising or stretching joints such as shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles lack versatility and flexibility in aligning with the joint for effective movement or stretching across a selected range of motion.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-joint therapy machine comprising a support frame, an indexing plate, a rotatable base, a carrier link, and a geared hinge mechanism, along with an actuator and controller, allows for adjustable alignment and movement of various joints by pivoting and rotating components to impose desired loads or movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing devices are used for exercising joints, then basic movement function is provided, but versatility and flexibility in aligning with different joints is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The therapy machine employs a universal base assembly with multiple indexing plates (first, second, third indexing plates) that can be rotated to different angular orientations, allowing a single device to accommodate and align with various joint types (shoulder, elbow, knee, ankle) and movement planes, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated devices for each joint
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including rotatable base assemblies with movable indexing plates that can be positioned at selectable angular orientations, and a carrier link that can pivot and rotate to adapt its alignment with the user's joint in real-time, enabling the device to dynamically conform to different therapeutic requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed alignment devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but ability to provide exercises across selected range of motion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The base assembly is segmented into multiple independent rotatable components (first base assembly with first indexing plate, second base assembly with second indexing plate, third base assembly with third indexing plate), each capable of independent angular adjustment, allowing fine-tuned customization of alignment angles to match specific joint anatomies and therapeutic requirements without overcomplicating the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier link acts as an intermediary component between the rotatable base assembly and the body carrier, providing a pivot connection that translates and rotates forces while maintaining adaptability in alignment, thereby enabling customized exercise trajectories without requiring direct complex coupling between all adjustment mechanisms
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 machine provides customizable and effective exercises or stretches for different joints by aligning the therapy machine with the user's joint, enabling a variety of positions and orientations for enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The geared hinge may include: a main shaft non-rotatably attached with respect to the rotatable base; a sun gear non-rotatably attached to the main shaft; a planet carrier rotatably attached to the main shaft; a planet shaft rotatably mounted with respect to the planet carrier; and a planet gear non-rotatably mounted with respect to the planet shaft to rotate together with the planet shaft.
Implementation Method 2
An actuator may be operatively connected to drive the carrier link at least pivotably with respect to the rotatable base about the main axis
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple-joint therapy machine includes a support frame and a rotatable base supported at a selectable height on the support frame. The rotatable base is configured to be releasably securable at a selectable angular orientation with respect to the support frame. A carrier link is at least pivotably mounted with respect to the rotatable base and is movable at least pivotably with respect to the rotatable base about a main axis. A geared hinge at least pivotably connects the carrier link with respect to the rotatable base. The geared hinge includes a main shaft and an attached sun gear. A planet carrier is rotatably attached to the main shaft. A planet shaft and an attached planet gear are rotatably attached to the planet carrier.