Wearable Gait Training Device with Adaptive Light Prompting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gait rehabilitation devices for physically disabled individuals often result in disorderly step prompts due to user action variations when using assistive devices, and training methods are limited by the need for external aids or specific environments, leading to deviations from correct gait development.
Innovation Solution
A wearable gait training device with a support member, light emitting unit, trigger unit, and microprocessor assembly that projects a visible stepping prompt on the ground based on the user's gait cycle, allowing for adjustable and adaptive training without external aids, usable anywhere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a light projecting device is attached to an external assistive device (cane, walking stabilizer), then the patient receives step guidance, but the step prompt becomes disorderly and inappropriate due to changes in user action for operating the assistive device
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device detects the user's own gait parameters (step length, step frequency, gait phase) through integrated sensors and automatically generates corresponding light prompts without requiring external assistive devices or therapist intervention. The system serves itself by using the user's motion to trigger the guidance signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically adjusts the light prompt characteristics (position, timing, intensity) based on real-time detection of gait cycle phase, step length variations, and walking speed. This dynamic adaptation ensures prompt accuracy maintains reliability even when user actions vary.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a walking aid is used to support the patient during walk, then the patient gains stability, but the patient's gait development may depart from correct gait if the patient adopts the gait reminding device attached with the walking aid for a long period of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical guidance system (external light projector on cane) with a wearable electronic system that uses sensors and microprocessors to detect gait parameters and generate appropriate light prompts. This substitution enables more precise and adaptive gait guidance that doesn't interfere with natural gait development.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor gait parameters and adjust light prompt timing and position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures the guidance remains accurate and promotes correct gait patterns without requiring long-term dependence on external aids.
3Illumination intensity
If visible light is projected to guide stepping, then the patient can see the stepping target, but the training is limited to specific environments or requires external aids
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device integrates multiple functions including gait detection, parameter analysis, and adaptive light projection into a single portable unit. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide effective gait training in diverse environments (indoor, outdoor, varying lighting conditions) without requiring external infrastructure or aids.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional ground projection (external devices projecting on floor) to three-dimensional wearable integration where sensors and projectors are positioned on the user's body. This spatial reconfiguration enables flexible training anywhere the user can wear the device, eliminating environmental constraints.
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 provides clear, adjustable, and timely stepping prompts that align with the user's gait cycle, enabling effective gait training both with and without assistive devices, promoting correct gait development and muscle control, and can be used flexibly in daily life.
Implementation Method 1
the light emitting unit is configured for providing a visible light. When the support member is attached on the attachment position, the visible light provided by the light emitting unit is projected to the ground where a front stepping point of the physically disabled person's opposite side leg is located
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable training device for gait rehabilitation and a method using the same are provided. The training device includes a power supply unit, a light emitting unit, a support member and a trigger unit. The power supply unit and the light emitting unit are coupled with each other and disposed on the support member attached on a user's lower limb. The trigger unit is contacted a sole of foot of the lower limb on which the support member is attached, and coupled to the light emitting unit. When the sole of foot is landed, the trigger unit is triggered to activate the light emitting unit to project a visible light on the ground where a front stepping point of user's opposite lower limb is located, to form a stepping prompt point with visible prompt effect on the ground. Therefore, the user can be guided to step.