Torque Support Device for Leg Lift and Spine Straightening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices fail to provide effective support for users with proximal leg muscle weakness and pelvic instability, as well as thoracic spine forward flexion, necessitating a device that can assist in leg lift and spine straightening while accommodating different user configurations.
Innovation Solution
A support device comprising an upper and lower support assembly with a spring assembly that applies torque to aid in leg lift or spine straightening, featuring adjustable straps and a power spring housed within a spring assembly for torque application, allowing for versatile use in different configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pelvic support device is used to assist leg lift, then proximal leg muscle weakness is supported, but the device cannot address thoracic spine forward flexion
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed with multiple functional configurations. The first configuration includes a pelvic support member and thigh support member for assisting leg lift in users with proximal leg muscle weakness. The second configuration adds a thoracic support member that can be positioned to provide backward torque for correcting thoracic spine forward flexion. This multi-functional design allows a single device to address both leg weakness and posture correction needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a back brace is used to correct thoracic spine forward flexion, then posture is improved, but the device cannot assist with leg lift in users with muscle weakness
Solution Approach 1:
The support device integrates both pelvic/thigh support components for leg lift assistance and thoracic support components for posture correction. The thoracic support member can be selectively positioned and adjusted to provide the necessary backward torque for spine correction, while the pelvic and thigh support members continue to provide leg lift assistance. This unified design eliminates the need for separate devices.
3Reliability
If fixed configuration support devices are used, then specific conditions are addressed, but users with multiple conditions cannot receive comprehensive support
Solution Approach 1:
The support device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that can be dynamically adapted to different user needs. The thoracic support member can be positioned at different locations along the thoracic region, and the support tensions can be adjusted independently for each functional component. This dynamic adjustability allows the same device to reliably support users with varying conditions including leg weakness, posture issues, or both simultaneously.
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 device effectively assists users in lifting their leg or straightening their spine, providing stabilization and torque to improve gait and posture, addressing the limitations of existing support devices by offering adjustable and versatile support.
Implementation Method 1
a spring assembly that is positioned between and attached to the upper support assembly and the lower support assembly. The spring assembly for the support device used to aid in lifting the user's leg is designed to apply torque to the lower support assembly relative to the upper support assembly.
Implementation Method 2
The spring assembly is designed to apply torque to the lower support assembly relative to the upper support assembly.
Implementation Method 3
The spring assembly attached to the upper support assembly and the lower support assembly may be designed to apply torque to extend the thoracic spine of a user when the support device is used to aid in straightening the user's spine.
Implementation Method 4
The spring assembly attached to the upper support assembly and the lower support assembly may be designed to apply torque to extend the thoracic spine of a user
Data Source
AI summary
A support device (5) arranged to be removably secured to a user and having vertical (16) and horizontal (18) members. In one arrangement, a lower support assembly is arranged for attachment to the user's leg so that the support device assists the user in lifting the leg while taking a step. In an alternative arrangement, the lower support assembly is attached to the lower trunk of the user so that the support device assists in straightening the user's spine. The spring assembly (10) can be arranged to apply forward torque to the lower support assembly (8) relative to the upper support assembly (6), for leg lift assist, or backward torque to the lower support assembly for spine straightening assist.