Walking Trainer Orthosis with Rolling Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gait training systems fail to provide a compact, independent, and natural walking movement solution for patients, especially those who have regained mobility or require treatment at home, as they often rely on treadmills or require therapist assistance, and existing devices do not accurately mimic natural walking patterns.
Innovation Solution
A compact gait trainer with orthosis holders for the foot or leg area that moves along a predetermined path, featuring rolling or gliding means on its underside, an optional wheel arrangement, and a self-driven mechanism with adjustable speed control, allowing for independent training and natural walking simulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a treadmill or large gait training system is used, then natural walking movement can be achieved, but the device becomes too large and cannot be relocated easily
Solution Approach 1:
The gait training system is divided into separate orthosis units that can function independently. Each orthosis contains its own rolling means and drive mechanism, allowing the system to be segmented into portable modules rather than a single large treadmill structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the patient on a stationary treadmill, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the patient stationary and moving the orthosis underneath them. The orthosis rolls on rolling means while the patient remains in place, achieving gait training without requiring a moving treadmill belt.
2Ease of operation
If a gait training system is made compact and relocatable, then independent home training is enabled, but the ability to provide comprehensive gait training is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis is equipped with its own drive mechanism and rolling means, enabling it to move autonomously under the patient's feet. This self-service capability allows the orthosis to provide complete gait training functionality without requiring a large fixed installation or constant therapist intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthosis design integrates multiple functions into a single portable unit: it provides gait training through natural walking movement simulation, can be relocated easily, and enables both therapist-supervised and independent patient training. The universal design allows the same compact device to serve multiple training needs.
3Volume of moving object
If the orthosis moves on a stationary base surface, then the device can be compact and relocatable, but the movement must still simulate natural walking patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis employs dynamic movement along a predetermined path that mimics natural walking gait patterns. The rolling means enable the orthosis to move dynamically back and forth underneath the patient, creating the swinging leg motion characteristic of natural walking while maintaining a compact stationary base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling means act as an intermediary between the compact stationary orthosis and the patient's feet. By rolling the orthosis on rolling means while keeping the base stationary, the system achieves natural walking motion simulation without requiring a large moving treadmill, thus mediating between compactness and movement effectiveness.
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
Enables independent and effective gait training that mimics natural walking, is easily relocatable, and can be used on any surface, providing optimal training for patients by allowing different speeds in stance and swing phases, thus enhancing mobility and muscle maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
rolling means (6) provided on an underside of the orthosis (3), by means of which the orthosis (3) can slide on the ground
Implementation Method 2
gliding means (6) provided on an underside of the orthosis (3), by means of which the orthosis (3) can slide on the ground
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a walking trainer having at least one orthotic, with holders for the foot or leg area, which is moved along a preset motion track to execute a natural walking movement. Rolling or gliding means are provided on the underside of the orthotic for allowing the orthotic to glide on the surface below.