Walking Exercise Device with Segmented Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gait training methods and devices are unsafe, cumbersome, and restrictive, limiting therapist access and patient mobility, and fail to effectively address balance and upper extremity training during walking exercises.
Innovation Solution
A physical therapy apparatus with a pelvic support unit and torso support system, powered by actuators and sensors, allowing independent articulation and movement, enabling safe and efficient gait training, balance practice, and upper extremity exercises, while being mobile and easily accessible for therapists.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual therapy with gait belt is used, then therapist can prevent patient from falling and apply corrective forces, but it is unsafe, awkward, requires more than one therapist, expensive, difficult to sustain for long time, and restricts access to patient's legs
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the support function into two independent units: a pelvic support unit and a torso support unit. Each unit can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing the pelvic unit to provide safety and support while the torso unit remains out of the way, enabling therapist access to the patient's legs without requiring multiple therapists.
Solution Approach 2:
The torso support unit is positioned in a different spatial dimension (above and behind the patient) rather than alongside the patient's legs. This vertical and rearward positioning allows the primary support and safety functions to be provided from above, freeing up lateral access for the therapist to work on the patient's lower extremities.
2Ease of operation
If overhead body support systems are used, then gait training can be assisted, but uncomfortable harnesses and long setup times limit duration of therapy sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic, adjustable support units that can be quickly positioned and repositioned. The pelvic and torso support units can be independently adjusted during therapy sessions, allowing for rapid adaptation to different exercise requirements without requiring lengthy setup or reconfiguration procedures.
3Strength
If large, unwieldy frames are used, then body support can be provided, but mobility of patients over the ground is restricted and device transport in hospital setting is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separate pelvic and torso units that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the frame to be more compact and mobile while still providing comprehensive support, as each unit can be placed optimally without requiring a large, rigid framework.
4Adaptability or versatility
If stationary device with fixed kinematic pattern is used, then repetitive leg movement can be trained, but balance training, overground walking training, and upper extremity practice are not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a stationary, fixed-pattern design to a dynamic, mobile system with independent pelvic and torso support units. These units can be repositioned and adjusted during overground walking, enabling balance training and upper extremity practice while maintaining support, thus providing versatile training options without requiring complex fixed mechanisms.
5Adaptability or versatility
If pelvic support and torso support are independently articulable, then natural walking body dynamics are accommodated and balance training is enabled, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the support function into independently articulable pelvic and torso units, each with its own degrees of freedom. This segmentation allows natural walking dynamics to be accommodated through independent motion of each unit without requiring a single complex articulated structure, simplifying the overall design while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A pelvic support unit is coupled to a base by a powered vertical force actuator mechanism. A torso support unit, which is affixed to the patient independently of the pelvic support unit, is connected to the base by one or more powered articulations which are actuable around respective axes of motion. Sensors sense the linear and angular displacement of the pelvic support unit and the torso support unit. A control unit is coupled to these sensors and, responsive to signals from them, selectively control the displacement actuator and articulation(s). Wheel modules are independently powered to both rotate and steer, and, responsive to the control unit, are capable of rolling the exercise device in a direction of travel intended by the patient.