Physical Therapy Table with Cable-Pulley Knee Flexion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a growing need for an affordable and user-friendly apparatus that allows individuals to perform physical therapy exercises independently, reducing the reliance on constant physical therapist assistance, particularly for exercises like knee flexion.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a physical therapy table with a gear mechanism, pulley system, and a cuff system that enables users to control leg movements through a handle, allowing for precise flexion and extension of the knee with minimal assistance, equipped with monitoring features to track exercise performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a physical therapy device uses a gear mechanism and pulley system to enable autonomous exercise, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cable as an intermediary element that transmits force from the handle through pulleys to the knee exercise mechanism. This cable-based intermediary system allows the user to control complex knee movements through simple handle manipulation, resolving the contradiction by mediating between simple user input and complex therapeutic exercise execution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical linkage with a cable-pulley system. Instead of rigid mechanical connections between the handle and knee mechanism, flexible cables routed through pulleys are used. This substitution maintains ease of operation while managing the complexity of the force transmission system, as cables can be easily routed and adjusted compared to rigid mechanical linkages
2Productivity
If a physical therapy device enables autonomous exercise without therapist assistance, then productivity is improved, but reliability may worsen due to lack of supervision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates monitoring devices that track exercise performance and provide feedback to the user. This feedback mechanism allows autonomous operation while maintaining reliability by enabling users to self-monitor and self-correct their exercise form, ensuring proper therapeutic execution without constant therapist supervision
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to enable patients to perform physical therapy exercises independently through self-service operation. The combination of intuitive handle control, automated cable-pulley mechanics, and self-monitoring capabilities allows the system to serve itself, eliminating the need for constant therapist assistance while maintaining exercise reliability through built-in monitoring and feedback
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
Enables patients to perform physical therapy exercises autonomously, improving flexibility and muscle strength while reducing the need for continuous therapist supervision, with the ability to monitor progress effectively.
Implementation Method 1
A gear mechanism that is in an enclosed compartment and has gear ratios and directions suited to the physical therapy exercise to be performed
Implementation Method 2
The device has a pulley system that would include cabling, optional pulleys, clips for attaching, and other common items used with such a pulley system
Data Source
AI summary
A machine that facilitates the performance of physical therapy exercises with or without the assistance of a physical therapist. The device allows a patient to sit upon a table, and connect the patient's body part to a cuff and pulling system. Then, via hand movements upon an article of the device cause body part flexion. Too, a patient can use the device for isometric like exercising via a series of stretch bands that attach to the cuff and table.