Physical Therapy Roller Table for Slip and Trip Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fall prevention technologies for the elderly are inadequate as they often address single causes of falls, are large, or ineffective in significantly reducing fall risk, and fail to effectively simulate natural slips and trips, which are crucial for improving reflexes and balance.
Innovation Solution
A physical therapy apparatus featuring a roller table with free motion rollers and powered rollers, a lifting mechanism, and a programmable logic controller (PLC) that simulates slips and trips by transitioning between different modes, including a slippery surface and a trip mode, to induce neuromuscular training and improve reflexes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional motorized treadmill belts or foam mats are used for balance training, then strength and proprioception are improved, but reflex development has negligible impact
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static foam mats to a dynamic roller table where individual rollers can move independently. The rollers are driven by motors that can create varying motion patterns including sudden accelerations and decelerations that simulate natural slip and trip conditions, enabling reflex development through dynamic perturbation.
Solution Approach 2:
The treadmill belt is segmented into multiple independent rollers that can be controlled individually or in groups. This segmentation allows different sections of the roller table to create different perturbation patterns simultaneously, simulating complex slip and trip scenarios that cannot be achieved with a uniform moving belt.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lifting mechanism is added to transition the roller table between positions, then training versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism serves multiple functions: it transitions the roller table between elevated and lowered positions, enables different training modes (elevated position for slip simulation, lowered position for trip simulation), and provides a controlled environment for various perturbation types. This multi-functionality justifies the added mechanical complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If powered rollers are positioned beneath free motion rollers, then control over slip simulation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The powered rollers act as intermediary elements between the motor drive system and the free motion rollers. The powered rollers transfer controlled motion to the free motion rollers, enabling precise control over slip simulation while keeping the free motion rollers simple in construction. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall manufacturing by separating the control function from the motion transmission function.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for physical therapy includes a base structure, a roller table positioned on the base structure including a plurality of free motion rollers, at least one motor and/or and at least one air compressor connected to the base structure, a plurality of powered rollers or a contact plate located within the base structure being in contact with the plurality of free motion rollers, at least one pneumatic block with a pneumatic piston connected to the at least one air compressor and being configured to raise and lower the power rollers and/or the contact plate, a load cell in communication with the apparatus being configured to measure and record a patient's response to the transition of the roller table and/or the contact plate, and a programmable logic controller.