Actuated Tilting Rehabilitation Table with Video Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current upper limb rehabilitation systems lack integration of an actuated tilting table with multiple degrees of freedom and grasping force sensing within a video tracking system, which limits the effectiveness and engagement of rehabilitation exercises.
Innovation Solution
An actuated tilting rehabilitation table with four degrees of freedom, combined with video tracking of the patient's arm and shoulder, a low-friction forearm support with grasping force sensing, remote data transmission, and large displays for interactive simulation exercises, allowing for enhanced monitoring and difficulty adjustment during rehabilitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an actuated tilting table with four degrees of freedom is integrated with video tracking and grasping force sensing, then rehabilitation effectiveness and patient engagement are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent systems (actuated tilting table, video tracking system, grasping force sensing, data transmission) into an integrated rehabilitation system. The table integrates actuators for tilting movement, while the forearm support structure incorporates both video markers and force sensing capabilities, merging multiple measurement functions into a single coordinated system that improves rehabilitation effectiveness through comprehensive monitoring and adaptive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The rehabilitation table is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the mechanical support structure and the platform for integrated sensing and control. The system simultaneously performs mechanical tilting, video tracking, force measurement, and data management functions, allowing a single device to replace multiple separate equipment pieces, thereby improving rehabilitation outcomes without proportionally increasing space and operational complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the table tilts to increase exercise difficulty based on gravity loading, then rehabilitation challenge is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The table incorporates actuators that enable dynamic tilting movement, allowing the exercise difficulty to be adjusted in real-time based on patient performance and rehabilitation goals. The tilting angle can be dynamically changed during exercise sessions, providing adaptive challenge levels without requiring multiple fixed-position tables or complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts exercise difficulty by changing the tilting angle parameter, which directly modifies the gravity loading on the patient's arm. This single parameter change (tilt angle) effectively controls the resistance and challenge level, simplifying the control mechanism compared to adjusting multiple mechanical parameters simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If video tracking and grasping force sensing are integrated, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The video tracking system and grasping force sensing are integrated into a unified measurement framework. The forearm support structure incorporates both optical markers for video tracking and force sensors, allowing simultaneous measurement of position and force with a single integrated system rather than separate independent systems, thereby improving coordination and data synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The forearm support structure serves as an intermediary element that houses both video markers and force sensors, mediating between the patient's arm and the measurement systems. This intermediate structure provides a stable platform for mounting sensors and markers, improving measurement precision while consolidating multiple sensing functions into a single manageable component.
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 system provides a more challenging and engaging rehabilitation experience by dynamically adjusting the tilting angle and exercise difficulty based on patient performance, while enabling remote data storage and clinician monitoring, thereby improving rehabilitation outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a low-friction forearm support with grasping force sensing
Implementation Method 2
The table tilts in order to increase exercise difficulty due to gravity loading on the patient's arm
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention integrates an actuated tilting rehabilitation table, video tracking of the patient arm and opposite shoulder, a low-friction forearm support with grasping force sensing, remote data transmission and additional weighing means, one or more large displays, a computer and a plurality of simulation exercises, such as video games. The patient can be monitored by a local or remote clinician. The table tilts in order to increase exercise difficulty due to gravity loading on the patient's arm and shoulder. In one embodiment, the present the invention includes an actuated tilting table which tilts in four degrees of freedom.