Variable Speed Joint Supporter for Muscle Strengthening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current continuous passive motion devices only increase the range of motion in joints and are insufficient in strengthening muscles, particularly for immobile patients like stroke victims, leading to muscle weakening and limited rehabilitation effectiveness due to insufficient physical therapy time and improper execution.
Innovation Solution
A muscle-strengthening passive and active motion device with a joint supporter, driver, and controller that accelerates or decelerates the speed and changes the direction of joint movement, incorporating a fastening unit and shock-absorbing features to generate tension and prevent tissue damage, allowing for repetitive anaerobic motion and muscle strengthening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If continuous passive motion (CPM) apparatuses are used to move joints at constant speed, then the range of motion of joints increases, but muscle strength cannot be strengthened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the constant speed motion of CPM apparatuses into dynamic variable speed motion. The controller adjusts the driving speed during the movement cycle, creating acceleration and deceleration phases that generate inertial forces. This dynamic speed variation allows the same device to both increase range of motion and strengthen muscles through inertial tension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the speed parameter from constant to variable during the movement cycle. By controlling the motor to accelerate and decelerate at different phases, the system creates varying inertial forces that produce tension on muscles. This parameter change enables the device to achieve both joint mobility improvement and muscle strengthening functions.
2Strength
If physical therapy is performed manually by a physical therapist, then some muscle strengthening can be achieved, but the limited time and improper execution result in insufficient therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-service system where the motorized device performs muscle strengthening therapy automatically without requiring continuous manual intervention. The controller programs the acceleration and deceleration cycles to generate inertial forces that strengthen muscles autonomously, freeing the patient from dependency on frequent therapist visits and enabling consistent therapy execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of physical therapists with an automated motorized system. The motor and controller combination substitutes human physical effort and expertise, delivering consistent, programmable inertial forces that strengthen muscles without being limited by therapist availability or manual execution quality.
3Strength
If repetitive anaerobic motion is executed to strengthen muscles, then muscle cell hypertrophy and strength increase, but immobile patients cannot perform such motion themselves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inertial forces generated by accelerating and decelerating the limb as a counterbalancing mechanism. The varying speed creates inertial effects that oppose and balance the gravitational and resistive forces, enabling immobile patients to receive muscle strengthening therapy without needing to generate their own movement force. The system essentially provides the counterforce needed to create effective muscle loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic acceleration and deceleration cycles through the controller. This periodic variation in speed creates repeated inertial loading on the muscles, mimicking the repetitive anaerobic motion needed for muscle strengthening. The cyclic nature of the speed variation ensures continuous muscle engagement and adaptation over time.
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 strengthens muscles by generating tension through acceleration and deceleration functions, preventing contracture and atrophy, and enabling comfortable and safe movement for immobilized patients, enhancing muscle function and preventing muscle weakness.
Implementation Method 1
a driver (3) driving the joint supporter (100) by being combined to the joint supporter (100)
Implementation Method 2
a shock-absorbing unit at a region where a distal end of the body part contacts
Implementation Method 3
the controller is capable of accelerating or decelerating a driving speed of the joint supporter (100)
Data Source
AI summary
A muscle-strengthening passive and active motion device includes: a joint supporter supporting a body part that is bendable or stretchable with a joint region; a driver driving the joint supporter by being combined to the joint supporter; and a controller controlling the driver, wherein the controller is capable of accelerating or decelerating a driving speed of the joint supporter.