Therapeutic Training Device Force Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rehabilitation training devices lack feedback mechanisms to effectively evaluate and provide insights on weight distribution and force application, making it difficult for physiotherapists to assess patient performance during exercises.
Innovation Solution
A stand-alone therapeutical training device with a force sensor and user feedback unit that provides proportional visual, audio, or tactile signals based on the force applied, allowing for independent operation and adjustable working ranges, enabling evaluation of weight distribution between feet or hands and motivating users through pseudo-random signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If simple non-feedback training devices are used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and feedback capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a force sensor measures the force applied by the user, and a light source provides visual feedback corresponding to the measured force. This resolves the contradiction by adding measurement precision through the force sensor while keeping device complexity manageable through the simple light-based feedback system rather than complex electronic displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic feedback systems with a simpler optical feedback mechanism using light sources. This substitution maintains measurement precision through the force sensor while reducing device complexity by using straightforward optical components instead of complex electronic displays and processing systems.
2Loss of information
If complex interactive systems are used, then the feedback capability is high, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides performance evaluation information through a straightforward feedback loop: the force sensor measures user input, the controller processes the signal, and the light source delivers immediate visual feedback. This maintains information completeness while avoiding the complexity of multi-component interactive systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential feedback function needed for rehabilitation training, implementing a minimal viable system with force sensing and visual output. This extraction approach provides sufficient performance evaluation information while eliminating unnecessary system complexity found in more comprehensive interactive systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for different exercises, then the adaptability is high, but the device complexity and quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal training device that can perform multiple exercise types through software configuration rather than requiring different physical devices. The force sensor and feedback mechanism remain the same while the exercise parameters and protocols can be adjusted to accommodate various rehabilitation exercises, thereby achieving adaptability without increasing device quantity or complexity.
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
Facilitates accurate evaluation of force and weight distribution, enhancing rehabilitation training by providing immediate feedback to both users and physiotherapists, promoting effective exercises and balance control while reducing the need for multiple devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least one force sensor, said force sensor measuring the force applied to said top surface of said housing and generating a response signal
Implementation Method 2
at least one user feedback unit... controls said user feedback unit... such that said user feedback unit provides a signal to the user which is proportional to said force applied to said top surface
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a stand-alone therapeutical training device which is peculiar in that the stand-alone therapeutical training device comprising a shallow housing having at least a top surface and a bottom surface, said housing comprising at least one force sensor, said force sensor measuring the force applied to said top surface of said housing and generating a response signal, at least one user feedback unit, a controller placed inside said housing configured for controlling said user feedback unit and that the controller controls the user feedback unit proportionally to said response signal from said force sensor. Hereby can be archived a simple stand-alone therapeutically training device enabling the patient and/or the physiotherapist to evaluate the force or weight applied by the user on the upper surface of the device.