rehabilitation and exercise machine5

专利摘要:
improved rehabilitation and exercise machine. an improved rehabilitation and exercise machine is provided, which allows a person with physical limitations, disabilities or chronic conditions to use the machine to rehabilitate their muscles, increase joint flexibility, and improve their cardiovascular condition. one embodiment of the device includes a frame, a first and second crank arms, a first and second handlebars, a first and second pedals, a motor and pulley assembly, a first and second coupling link, and a motor controller with button of speed.
公开号:BR112012008610B1
申请号:R112012008610
申请日:2010-10-06
公开日:2020-01-14
发明作者:Taylor Adam；A Nelson Carl；M Burnfield Judith；Buster Thad；Shu Yu
申请人:Univ Nebraska；Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

[001] This application claims the priority and benefit of the
United States Order No. 61/250718, filed on October 12, 2009, the specification of which is incorporated into this document for reference in its entirety.
SPONSORED FEDERAL RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [002] The present invention was produced with government support in accordance with Grant No. H133G070209 granted by the National Institute for Research on Disability and Rehabilitation (NIDRR). The government has certain rights in the present invention.
FIELD OF INVENTION [003] The present invention relates to an improved rehabilitation and exercise machine, and, more particularly, to a rehabilitation and exercise machine that allows a person with physical limitations, disabilities, or chronic conditions to use the machine in order to recover your muscles, improve joint flexibility, and improve your cardiovascular condition.
BACKGROUND [004] About 53 million people living in the United States
United have some form of chronic illness or disability, among which an estimated 15 million adults experience difficulty walking. Numerous innovative therapies have been developed in the past to help people relearn how to walk, move or improve their overall health. In this regard, a treadmill training with body weight support (BWSTT) was developed, which involves locomotion of patients on a treadmill with their body weight partially supported by a belt in order to reduce the load that each leg must carry out during the exercise. walking. THE
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2/41 extension of the belt support decreases progressively as strength and control of movements increase. This technique has led to improvements in walking, so that patient results exceed the gains resulting from conventional therapy.
[005] BWSTT training, however, is not available in many configurations, due to the costs associated with using two or three therapists or doctors and / or physical trainers to guide leg and torso movements during training sessions. In addition, assistance can be physically a major challenge for doctors and imposes a risk of injury. As a result, facilities and doctors often adopt traditional floor-walking training therapy, thereby preventing many patients from using a promising intervention.
[006] Recently, mechanized gait training devices (including robots) have emerged, in part, to address the challenges associated with BWSTT training, however, these devices are used primarily in research affiliated facilities and in larger metropolitan areas. The expense of devices (approximately $ 100,000 to $ 275,000) prevents many clinics, hospitals and / or medical centers from purchasing the devices. As a result, individuals who receive care in more rural areas often do not have access to adequate technology for rehabilitation.
[007] People with disabilities and chronic diseases are at a greater risk of developing additional medical problems than people without disabilities, partly due to the inability to exercise at sufficiently challenging levels. Despite the large number of health and fitness centers available in most cities, many people with activity limitations are unable to use these resources. Common factors for not using the available facilities are inaccessible equipment and the lack of specialized staff.
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3/41 specialized in how to safely develop and implement some fitness programs for people with chronic diseases. The lack of usable equipment is unfortunate, as involvement in moderate levels of continuous exercise helps to prevent or delay the onset of other chronic diseases. In addition, exercise prevents or reduces other functional declines associated with disuse and inactivity. An example of inadequate equipment is the elliptical machine (also called a cross trainer). These elliptical machines guide your feet along a generally elliptical curve in order to simulate the movements of a walk, a run, or a climb. Numerous elliptical machines have been reported in the patent literature. Rogers, Jr., in United States Patent Nos. 5,527,246, 5,529,555, 5,540,637, 5,549,526, 5,573, 5,591,157, 5,593,371, 5,593,372, 5,595,553, 5 611 757, 5 637 058, 5 653 662 and 5 743 834, shows an elliptical pedal movement by virtue of several alternative members and gear articulation systems. Miller, in United States Patents Nos. 5,518,473, 5,562,574, 5,611,756, 5,518,473, 5,572,574, 5,577,985, 5,755,642 and 5,788,609, also shows an elliptical pedal movement using alternative elements and various articulation mechanisms, together with oscillating guide links with control links in order to determine the pedal angles. Elliptical machines, in many cases, provide an inertia that helps in changing the direction of the pedals, making the exercise smooth and comfortable (see, for example, Miller U.S. Patent No. 5,242,343; US Patent No. 5,383,829 to Miller; US Patent No. 5,518,473 to Miller; US Patent No. 5,755,642 to Miller; US Patent No. 5,577,985 to Miller; US Patent No. 5 611,756 to Miller; U.S. Patent No. 5,911,649 to Miller; U.S. Patent No. 6,045,487 to Miller; US Patent
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4/41
Miller No. 6,398,695; U.S. Patent No. 5,913,751 to Eschenbach; U.S. Patent No. 5,916,064 to Eschenbach; U.S. Patent No. 5,921,894 to Eschenbach; US Patent No. 5,993,359 to Eschenbach; US Patent No. 6,024,676 to Eschenbach; US Patent No. 6,042,512 to Eschenbach; US Patent No. 6,045,488 to Eschenbach; US Patent No. 6,077,196 to Eschenbach; U.S. Patent No. 6,077,198 to Eschenbach; US Patent No. 6,090,013 to Eschenbach; US Patent No. 6,090,014 to Eschenbach; U.S. Patent No. 6,142,915 to Eschenbach; US Patent No. 6,168,552 to Eschenbach; U.S. Patent No. 6,210,305 to Eschenbach; U.S. Patent No. 6,361,476 to Eschenbach; US Patent No. 6,409,632 to Eschenbach, US Patent No. 6,422,976 to Eschenbach, US Patent No. 6,422,977 to Eschenbach, US Patent No. 6,436,007 to Eschenbach, US Patent No. 6 440 042 to Eschenbach, U.S. Patent No. 6,482,132 to Eschenbach, and U.S. Patent No. 6,612,969 to Eschenbach).
[008] Elliptical machines are widely available in gyms, as well as in many health clinics and in domestic facilities. In their current version, elliptical machines limit the movement of people with adequate resistance, who try to further increase their strength / endurance. Machines do not yet have the ability to adapt and assist in the movement of people with weakness, joint pain, or problems with movement initiation. The impact of this limitation is evident in individuals with physical limitations. Many people who have suffered a stroke, who have Parkinson's disease, arthritis or have undergone total joint replacement (with weakness from disuse) are unable to start or maintain exercise on elliptical machines unless the doctor offers assistance
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5/41 physical movement of the pedals. When this necessary assistance is provided, many start to enjoy the exercise due to its similarity to the activity of walking, the smoothness of movement, and the opportunity to incorporate the trunk and arms into the activity. The similarity to walking activity in movement patterns and muscle demands while exercising on an elliptical machine suggests that, in addition to serving as an exercise tool, elliptical training may help people regain the strength and flexibility needed to walk . For example, calf weakness, a common finding in the elderly without physical conditioning and in individuals who have suffered a stroke, limits walking speed, reducing their ability to make adequate strides. The elliptical machine requires that the calf muscle activity stabilizes the leg, especially as the leg moves into a posture of the hind limb. Joint and muscle stiffness in people with osteoarthritis of the hip joint or those who spend a large part of the day sitting in a wheelchair contributes to an excessively flexed (curved) posture when walking, which increases muscle demand and decreases speed when walking. walk. Elliptical machines with a movable step length can be used therapeutically to provide a smooth and repetitive stretch to the rigid hip muscles during training. A notable difference between elliptical training and walking is that both limbs remain in contact with the support surface during elliptical training, while when walking, there are periods when body weight is supported by just one leg. The constant contact of both feet with the support surface during elliptical training reduces the sudden forces associated with repetitive limb loading during each step of a walk. This can be beneficial for individuals with joint pain. Petition 870190088058, 06/09/2019, p. 9/54
6/41 tions.
[009] Users who are physically limited or in rehabilitation experience several difficulties when accessing or positioning themselves on an elliptical machine. The difficulties occur due to potential muscle atrophy, joint stiffness or the general loss of balance and coordination that many individuals in rehabilitation must face. Therefore, it is sometimes difficult for patients to maintain their posture and positioning on training devices, such as on an elliptical machine. In addition to the need for tools to help people with disabilities regain their walking function in the facilities of a clinic, there is also a need for affordable and appropriate fitness equipment to address the issue of cardiovascular function and walking function after discharge. of therapy programs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0010] The present invention provides an improved exercise and rehabilitation machine that can enable a person with physical limitations or disabilities to use the machine in order to rehabilitate their muscles, joint flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. The machine can contain several features that allow easier access, as well as a motor capable of assisting in the rotation or independent rotation of the pedals and the articulation system on the machine. A new method for using the improved machine is also presented as part of a broader rehabilitation training program. The ultimate goal of the presented machine is to increase the accessibility of traditional elliptical machines so that people with disabilities can effectively do therapeutic exercises and participate in walking programs, in order to promote optimal health, their quality of life and maximum independence . The machine can be used in hospita patient facilities
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7/41 outpatients, in gyms or at home to help people improve their ability to walk after a major medical event, such as a stroke, brain injury, amputation or incomplete spinal cord injury as well how to promote the retention of the ability to walk in people living with chronic diseases, such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, complete dentures, hip fractures, or diabetes mellitus. The rehabilitation facilities will also benefit, since the present invention will provide a less laborious tool for training and will reduce the risk of cumulative injuries to employees that may arise from manual gait training techniques. The machine can also be used by people without disabilities, as the characteristics of the project do not prevent its use by individuals with normal movement function.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0011] The rehabilitation and exercise machine described in this document can be better understood by referring to the following drawings, in which:
[0012] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of the improved rehabilitation and exercise machine constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0013] Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of an elliptical machine already known in the art;
[0014] Figure 3 illustrates a motor controller and a microcontroller unit for the improved rehabilitation and exercise machine of Figure 1;
[0015] Figure 4 illustrates a stop mechanism for the improved rehabilitation and exercise machine of Figure 1;
[0016] Figure 5 illustrates a set of motor and pulleys and clutch
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8/41 for the improved rehabilitation and exercise machine in Figure 1;
[0017] Figure 6 illustrates an isometric view of a bag and brace set of a pair of pedals connected to the improved rehabilitation and exercise machine of Figure 1;
[0018] Figure 7 is a right side elevation view with the height adjustable platform attached to the improved rehabilitation and exercise machine 100 of Figure 1;
[0019] Figure 8 illustrates the control system of the improved rehabilitation and exercise machine 100 of Figure 1; and [0020] Figure 9 illustrates a remote heart rate monitor for use on the improved rehabilitation and exercise machine 100 in Figure
1.
[0021] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the elements of the figures are illustrated for the sake of simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements of the figures can be exaggerated in relation to other elements, for a better understanding of the exemplary aspects and modalities of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0022] The characteristics of the improved rehabilitation and exercise machine presented and described here, which are believed to be new, are established with particularity in the attached claims. The description of the various embodiments described below is for purposes of understanding the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular modalities described in this document, but is capable of several modifications, new provisions, and substitutions, which will become evident to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the claims
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9/41 below cover all such modifications and alterations that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0023] In the alternative modalities, system, process, and apparatus may include additional components, less components, or different components. In addition, each component can include additional modules, software, and interface devices that can be added to the present document in order to operate the present invention in alternative embodiments.
[0024] The terms one or one, as used in this document, are defined as one or more, instead of one. The term other, another, as used in this document, is defined as at least one second or more. The terms including and / or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (ie, an open transition). The term coupled or operationally coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly or not necessarily mechanically fixed.
[0025] With reference to Figure 1, the improved rehabilitation and exercise machine 100 includes a standard elliptical rear-traction machine. The standard elliptical rear-wheel drive machine includes a frame to support the machine on the floor. At the rear of the frame, a first and second crank arms are attached (not shown). The first crank arm is connected to a first end of a first engagement link 109 having a first and a second end, and the second crank arm is connected to a first end of a second engagement link 109 having a first and second ends. A pedal 104 is present in each of the first and second engagement links 109. The second end of the first engagement link 109 is pivotably connected to a first movable handlebar 107 and the second
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10/41 end of the second engagement link 109 is pivotally connected to a second movable handlebar 107. A handwheel 122 with a belt and pulley arrangement is operatively connected to each of the first and second crank arms. The force generated by the push and drag movement of the mobile handlebars 107 is transferred through the coupling links 109 to the crank arms and to the operationally connected flywheel 122. The transferred force triggers the rotation movement of the crank arms and the flywheel operationally connected 122. The rotation movement of the crank arms and the operationally connected steering wheel 122 triggers the elliptical movement of the pedals 104.
[0026] Figure 1 has several components that address the shortcomings of the standard rear-wheel elliptical machine. The improved rehabilitation and exercise machine of the present invention 100 allows people with disabilities or physical limitations to have access to machine 100. In one embodiment, the user can be a patient, a person, and / or a user of the exercise and rehabilitation machine of the present invention.
[0027] The improved exercise and rehabilitation machine 100 may include a platform 101 configured around the structure of the machine 100, which may contain steps 101a, 101b, an inclined portion 101c in order to allow wheelchair users or wheelchair users. ambulatory to have access to machine 100, and / or a shoulder 101d along the edges of platform 101, in order to safeguard a user and / or a clinician against any injury while the rehabilitation and exercise machine 100 is in operation. A pair of safety handles 121 can be included in the improved rehabilitation and exercise machine 100 in order to further assist a user to access the rehabilitation and exercise machine 100. The improved rehabilitation and exercise machine may also include an elevated platform in
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11/41 height adjustable 113. The improved rehabilitation and exercise machine 100 may also include a bench 102 attached to the rear end of the machine 100, and a pair of height-adjustable handrails 103 attached to the platform 101. The improved machine 100 may also include a motor and pulley assembly 110 so as to provide an external force to the first and second crank arms via the flywheel 122. The improved machine may further include a stop mechanism 111 containing a push switch and / or a drag switch 111b including a connector 111c to stop the motor from the motor and pulley assembly 110. The improved rehabilitation and exercise machine 100 may further include a remote control device 114 to enable a physician to control the motor and motor assembly and pulleys 110. The improved rehabilitation and exercise machine 100 can also include a body weight support system 115, which provides the desired weight balance rer for a user of the machine 100, a belt support 116, and a control mechanism 117 in order to control the operation of the body weight support system 115. The improved rehabilitation and exercise machine 100 may include a microcontroller unit 119 configured to receive and process the data collected from different sensors located throughout the machine 100, and transmit the data to a computing device 120 in order to decode, display, store and / or even process. Microcontroller unit 119, also called a microcontroller, can also be configured to receive and process instructions from a computing device 120 based on user input and transmit such instructions to the motor of the motor and pulley assembly 110a in order to control the speed of the motor and the motor and pulley assembly 110.
[0028] In one embodiment, the steps 101a, and 101b, and / or the inclined portion 101c can extend from the floor level to the
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12/41 elevation where the pair of pedals 104 is positioned. The arrangement of steps 101a and 101b and / or the inclined portion 101c can provide users, who previously had difficulty stepping on pedals 104 from ground level, now ascend comfortably until they are on a level with the pedals 104. In another embodiment, shoulder 101d prevents clinicians and / or users from slipping their foot between pedals 104 and base 101. [0029] Elliptical machines known in the art can often be difficult to mount to users with muscle weakness, coordination problems, and / or balance difficulties, since the pedals are raised substantially from the floor and are mobile. In one embodiment, a raised bench 102 can be positioned at the rear end of the machine 100. The user can sit on bench 102 before placing their feet on the pair of pedals 104. The user can then slide in a normal direction across the bench 102 until the user's body is positioned centrally on the machine 100. In one embodiment, bench 102 is able to be moved in a vertical or horizontal direction in order to accommodate users of different heights and weights. The combination of steps 101a and 101b, the inclined portion 101c and bench 102 can offer a user with a disability or physical limitation the possibility of using machine 100. Bench 102 can also offer users with balance deficit and / or weakness the possibility of making training movements from a seated position is profound. The elliptical training done in the seated position allows the user to obtain balance and strength to perform the movements of the elliptical activity in a standing position. In one embodiment, the size, dimension and location of bank 102 can allow machine 100 to be operated by users without any type of disability. In one modality, the size, dimension and position of the bench 102, as well as the platform
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13/41 to 101 including steps 101a, 101b and the inclined portion 101c, can also offer a doctor, physical therapist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, physical trainer, recreational therapist, speech therapist, gym instructor, kinesiologist, nurse, caregiver and / or doctor, hereinafter referred to as a clinician in this document, the possibility to sit or stand behind the user during elliptical rotational movement exercises, in order to facilitate even more therapeutically the normal movements of the legs, torso, arms and other parts of the body. user's body.
[0030] The pedals of elliptical machines known in the art can often be difficult to maintain total secure foot contact to users who are physically limited or in rehabilitation. Abnormal muscle activity or tightness can cause the foot to lift or twist on the pedals when using a dangerous or inefficient elliptical trainer. In one embodiment, the machine of the present invention 100 can include a pair of pedals 104, as shown in Figure 6, having a foot bag 105 that can extend along the top of the front portion of each of the pedals 104. In such a scenario, the user, when placing each foot on each of the pedals 104, will be able to slide the foot under the provided pouch 105 located on the front portion of each of the pedals 104. The present arrangement of the pouch 105 in each of the front portions of the pedals 104 can prevent the user's foot from moving involuntarily mainly in an upward direction. In addition, bag 105 will be able to prevent the user's foot from being forced out of the pair of pedals 104. In one embodiment, the bag 105 arrangement can be constructed for, but not limited to, the individuals referred to in this document. like users who suffer from some muscle imbalance or numbness in the feet. In one embodiment, bag 105 may be made of any material or a combination of materials,
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14/41 but, for the understanding of the present modality, bag 105 is made of plastic. Bag 105 can be made of any alternative material or a combination of materials in order to prevent the foot from lifting off the pedals 104. In addition, the machine of the present invention 100 may further include a foot strap 106, which can it is located on the rear portion of each of the pedals 104. The foot strap arrangement 106 can be looped around the back of the user's heel, with the ends of the foot strap 106 attached to each of the pedals 104. In one embodiment, bag 105 and strap arrangement 106 can prevent the user's foot from sliding back and lifting off pedals 104. Strap 106, when not in operation, can be attached behind the back of each of the pairs of pedals 104. The present embodiment can use a hook and loop system to secure each strap 106 in the desired location, however, a person skilled in the art may appreciate that there are a variety of other ways to attach the strap while in operation or out of operation. Each of the pedals 104 also includes a pad along the foot rest area of each of the pedals 104. The pad provided along the foot rest area of each of the pedals 104 helps to prevent foot ulcers and injuries relative to the pressure that can occur from the repetitive use of any gym equipment, such as an elliptical activity equipment. In one embodiment, the padding over each pair of pedals 104 can be useful in the case of users who have injuries or illnesses or who are unable to detect the pain that ordinary users may experience.
[0031] The standard 200 rear-wheel elliptical machine, as shown in Figure 2, generally includes a pair of mobile handlebars 202 with handles 203 that can allow a user to grab the mobile handlebars 202 and push and pull the bars 202, helping with the elliptical rotational movement. The elliptical rotational movement can
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15/41 allow the user to exercise and move both the upper and lower limbs in order to rotate the pedals and the articulation system 201 with them. In one embodiment, the pair of mobile handlebars 202 can cause the user to maintain balance while operating the elliptical activity equipment 200, as shown in Figure 2. However, the present arrangement and function of the pair of handlebars furniture 202 do not assist users with physical limitations or disabilities to maintain a grip on the mobile handlebars 202 when the equipment is in motion, and at the same time move their legs and maintain a secure position of the feet in relation to the pedal plate and to the articulation system 201. In addition, users with physical limitations, disabilities or balance deficits would like a support element with a wider support platform.
[0032] Therefore, the rehabilitation and exercise machine of the present invention 100, as shown in Figure 1, can include a pair of height-adjustable handrails 103 that can extend vertically upward and / or horizontally forward and / or to behind each side of the machine 100. The pair of height-adjustable handrails 103 can be used to help users of different body weight and height maintain their physical body balance while operating the machine 100 and / or while climbing or it descends from machine 100. In one embodiment, the pair of height-adjustable handrails 103 can be attached to the platform 101 of the machine 100. In another embodiment, the pair of height-adjustable handrails 103 can be attached directly to the frame of the machine 100.
[0033] The improved rehabilitation and exercise machine 100 is designed for the rehabilitation and exercise of users with physical disabilities and balance deficits. A deficiency could be a heart condition that leads to the need for
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16/41 heart rate in order to obtain a safe and therapeutic exercise regime. Accordingly, the pair of mobile handlebars 107 with handles 112 preferably includes sensors that can measure a user's heart rate when the user is operating the machine of the present invention 100. In an ideal position, the user's hands during operation of the machine can come in contact with handles 112. The sensors are integrated into handles 112 through a metal plate. The sensors generate electrical pulses coordinated with the user's heart rate. The pulses are transferred in the form of an electrical signal to a device for processing and display. However, some users with muscle weakness or movement control problems may not be able to maintain the constant grip necessary to record an exact heart rate via the heart rate sensors on the handles 112. In this respect, the machine of the present invention 100 can include a remote heart rate monitoring system, as shown in Figure 9, which can facilitate a user's heart rate measurement when the user's hands are not in contact with the wrist 112. In a more preferred embodiment, the remote system Heart rate monitor includes at least one heart rate sensor 118 integrated with an antistatic wrist strap123. The heart rate sensor 118 on the wrist strap 123 is operationally connected to one end of a wire, the other end of which is connected to a standard banana socket. The banana-type socket is inserted in a joint column made of a conductive material, whose joint column is fixed to the base of a metal clamp. The metal clamp is configured in such a way that it contacts the heart rate sensors on the metal plate of at least one wrist 112 of the pair of wrist 112. This remote heart rate monitoring system allows me to measure
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17/41 the user's heart rate without making direct contact between the user's hand and at least one heart rate sensor 118 on at least one wrist 112 of the pair of wrist 112.
[0034] Users who undergo physical training or rehabilitation in conjunction with the improved rehabilitation and exercise machine 100 are often supervised and assisted by doctors who instruct and supervise the exercise regime of users who undergo rehabilitation. In one embodiment, in order to assist these physicians, the machine of the present invention 100 may have an elevated height adjustable platform 113 (Figure 7) which may extend in a semicircular direction around the front of the machine 100. Ideally, the height of the mobile platform can allow the doctor to be at eye level. This allows the doctor to stand on the elevated height-adjustable platform 113 and still supervise the user using the machine 100, or even work with the user in rehabilitation activities.
[0035] The standard 200 rear-elliptical traction machine of the Figure has a pedal plate and articulation system 201 that is resistive in nature. In addition, the elliptical machine 200 includes a pair of mobile handlebars 202 and a pair of handles 203 attached to the mobile handlebars 202. The pair of mobile handlebars 202 is connected to the pedal plate and articulation system 201, which includes a crank and a steering wheel. The elliptical rotational movement of the elliptical machine 200 is driven and maintained by the user who exerts a force either through the pedal plate and articulation system 201 or the mobile handlebars. The pedal plate and articulation system 201 requires an initial force in order to trigger the rotational movement of the elliptical training machine 200. However, it can often be difficult for users with physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, or balance and undergoing rehabilitation return to IniPetition 870190088058, of 9/6/2019, p. 21/54
18/41 to create and / or maintain the elliptical rotational movement of the pedal plate and articulation system 201 of the elliptical training machine 200. [0036] In this way, the improved rehabilitation and exercise machine 100 can provide an auxiliary elliptical movement of the pedals 104 through a motor and pulley assembly 110. In the present embodiment, the motor and pulley assembly 110 is operationally connected to the rotary flywheel 122, which is operationally connected to the first and second crank arms. In operation, the motor of the motor and pulley assembly 110 provides an external force that allows the flywheel 122 to rotate, thus activating the first and second crank arms in order to move the first and second coupling links 109, respectively, allowing thus, the activation of an elliptical rotational movement identical to that of the pair of pedals 104, with each element within the pair of pedals 104 being fixed to the first and second coupling links 109. The activation of the elliptical rotational movement of the pedals 104 is independent of any forces exerted by the user. The motor and pulley assembly 110 can be located anywhere on the machine 100. However, in a preferred embodiment, the motor and pulley assembly 110 is located at the rear end of the machine 100. The motor and pulley assembly 110 can cause the machine of the present invention 100 to rotate indefinitely with ease at rotational speeds ranging from 0 to 100 revolutions per minute. In one embodiment, the motor and pulley assembly 110 includes a current cylinder tilt clutch 127. Clutch 127 allows the user to perform an activity at a faster speed than the target motor speed of the motor and pulley assembly 110 In this situation, the motor and pulley assembly 110 is decoupled from the flywheel 122 and does not offer any type of motor assistance to the user. In one embodiment, the motor and pulley assembly 110 can provide the user, regardless of
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19/41 degree of physical disability and / or balance difficulties, the possibility of starting rehabilitation programs. In addition, the motor and pulley assembly 110 can offer a simulation of walking and speed movements without the user having to apply or exert the required normal force. In addition, the rehabilitation and exercise machine of the present invention 100 can provide significant therapeutic and rehabilitation value in the form of helping users of the rehabilitation and exercise machine 100 to relearn movements that different parts of the body must perform to walking and / or making a desired walking motion. Depending on the type and nature of the injury or atrophied muscle that needs rehabilitation, users may experience difficulty with a specific instance in their walking steps, while experiencing ease of movement throughout the rest of a walk. In order to provide assistance to a user in completing this part of his gait in which the user is experiencing problems, the motor of the motor and pulley assembly 110 can be adjusted to provide a necessary force boost to the coupling links 109 through the operationally coupled flywheel 122 and the first and second crank arms. The motor of the motor and pulley assembly 110 may be any motor known in the art capable of acting on the movement of the first and second crank arms, through the operationally coupled flywheel 122.
[0037] The improved rehabilitation and exercise machine of the present invention 100 is suitable for use by users with and without physical disabilities and balance deficits. In one embodiment, the improved machine 100 may include a stop mechanism 111 that is capable of stopping the motor from the motor and pulley assembly 110. Stop mechanism 111 can be triggered in the event of an emergency, such as when the user of the machine 100 comes across
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20/41 with an accident during the operation of machine 100. The stop mechanism 111 can be activated by the user, when making contact with the stop switch 111a or 111b. In another embodiment, the stop mechanism 111 includes a pulse stop switch. The impulse stop switch 111a can be activated by punching the impulse stop switch 111a. In one embodiment, the stop mechanism 111 includes a drag stop switch 111b. The drag stop switch 111b includes a connector 111c having a first and a second portion. The first portion of the connector is attached to the drag stop switch 111b and the second portion of the connector is attached to the user. The motor of the motor and pulley assembly 110 is stopped when a required force is experienced by the connector 111c of the drag stop switch 111b. The stop mechanism 111 can be positioned in a region inside the machine 100 in order to offer the user of the machine 100 the possibility of easily reaching the stop mechanism 111 in the event of an emergency, such as a sudden and abnormal increase in frequency and / or pulse, and in case of any injury to the user of the machine 100. A safety mechanism can be added so that when the stop mechanism 111 is activated, the motor of the motor and pulley assembly 110 cannot restarted until the speed is set to zero. This prevents a user from accidentally starting the machine at full speed. [0038] The motor speed of the motor and pulley assembly 110 can be controlled from a remote location by a third person, for example, a doctor, from a remote control device 114. In one embodiment, the device remote control device 114 may have a system that allows placement of remote control device 114 at any location and around machine 100. In one embodiment, remote control device 114 may include a system
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21/41 magnetic theme, which provides the fixation of the device in any desired position inside the machine 100 (as shown in Figure 1).
[0039] In one mode, the motor of the motor set and pulleys
110 is controlled by a motor controller 301. Motor controller 301 includes a speed knob 302 in order to manually adjust the motor speed. The motor speed can also be controlled by the microcontroller unit 119. In the present embodiment, an instruction signal is provided to the microcontroller unit 119 from a computing device 120. As shown in Figure 8, the signal is processed by the microcontroller unit 119 and transmitted to a stepper motor 801 integrated in the motor controller 301. The stepper motor includes an 802 axis that is connected to the speed knob 302. The received signal provides bi-directional rotation of the stepper motor 802 axis 801, which rotates the speed dial 302 of the motor controller 301, resulting in an increase or decrease in the motor speed.
[0040] In one embodiment, the body weight support system 115 can provide accommodation to patients who have difficulty supporting their own weight in a vertical position, in a walking position, and / or in a standing position. In one embodiment, the body weight support system may include a belt support 116, which may offer the desired support to the user for standing, walking, and / or in a vertical position during the operation of the machine 100. The belt support 116 can hold the user in a position or can be operated in a vertical direction based on the user's weight balance needs and / or the type of physical activity performed by the user on the machine 100. In another embodiment, the body weight support system 115 may include a control mechanism 117, which controls and manages the operation of the
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22/41 body weight support 115.
[0041] Again, with reference to Figure 8, a microcontroller unit 119 can be operatively coupled to a plurality of sensors 118 positioned along the machine 100. The plurality of sensors 118 is capable of capturing data and transmitting such data to microcontroller unit 119 for processing and transmission to computing device 120 for more detailed decoding, processing, display, and storage. Such a plurality of sensors includes the heart rate sensors 118 located on the handles 112 of the mobile handlebars 107 and on the wrist strap 123 of the remote heart rate monitoring system; photoelectric sensors 118 which are configured to face the steering wheel 122, the steering wheel rim 122 having alternating light and dark bands in such a way that, when the steering wheel 124 rotates, the light / dark pattern, which represents the rotational movement the steering wheel, be captured through sensors 118; the motor current sensors 118 which measure the current passing through the motor of the motor assembly and pulleys 110; and the force transducer sensors 118 that can be positioned on the mobile handlebars 107 with the handles 112 and the pedals 104 and which capture the data based on the amount of force that a user applies to each of the mobile handlebars 107 through the handles 112 or pedals 104. A timer can be included in the microcontroller unit 119 in order to calculate the variables related to the speed (for example, RPM) and in order to facilitate the operations related to time, (for example, 10 second shots of higher speed physical activity).
[0042] Microcontroller unit 119 provides the basic I / O (input / output) functions between sensors 118 and computing device 120. Microcontroller unit 119 receives data in the form of electrical signals from sensors 118 and processes the months
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23/41 in order to be recognized by the computing device 120. A decoding program present in the computing device 120 reads and decodes the electrical signals received from the microcontroller unit 119 and converts them into current numbers for display, or as inputs data in a program that runs on computer device 120. The control program can also receive external data input. Based on the data inputs, the computing device, through the control program, can provide instructions for the microcontroller unit 119 in order to control the motor of the motor and pulley assembly 110, as described earlier in this document. In one embodiment, computer device control programs 120 are written in a Visual Basic 6.0 programming language. A single on-board computer with a C programming language, such as a Jackrabbit BL1800, which includes a programmable processor and memory, and which allows programs to be stored on the board, can be used with the 119 microcontroller unit, eliminating the use of of a computing device 120.
[0043] The methods and systems described in this document can transform physical and / or intangible items from one state to another. The methods and systems described in this document can also transform data that represents physical and / or intangible elements from one state to another.
[0044] The elements described and illustrated in this document, including the elements described in the flowcharts in the block diagrams in all the Figures, imply the logical limits between the elements. However, according to software or hardware engineering practices, the elements represented and their functions can be implemented on machines through a computer executable medium that has a processor capable of executing
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24/41 cut the program instructions stored in it as a monolithic software structure, as independent software modules, or as modules that employ external routines, code, services, and so on, or any combination of them, and all of these implementations may be within the scope of the present invention.
[0045] Examples of such machines may include, but may not be limited to, personal digital assistants, laptops, personal computers, cell phones, other portable computing devices, medical equipment, wired or wireless communication devices, transducers, chips , calculators, satellites, a tablet PC, electronic books, electronic devices, electronic devices, artificial intelligence devices, computing devices, network equipment, servers and / or routers.
[0046] In addition, the elements illustrated in the flowchart and block diagrams or any other logical component can be implemented on a machine capable of executing program instructions. Thus, although the preceding drawings and descriptions establish the functional aspects of the systems presented, no particular provision of software for the execution of these functional aspects should be inferred from these descriptions, unless expressly indicated, or otherwise become evident from the context in question. Likewise, it will be appreciated that the various steps identified and described above can be varied, and that the order of the steps can be adapted to the particular applications of the techniques disclosed in this document. All such variations and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the description and / or description of an order for the different stages should not be understood as requiring a particular execution order.
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25/41 for the steps, unless required by a particular application, or explicitly stated or otherwise evident from the context in question.
[0047] The methods and / or processes described above, and the steps therefor, can be performed on software, on hardware, or on any suitable combination of hardware and software for a particular application. The hardware may include a general purpose computer and / or a dedicated computing device or a specific use computing device or a particular aspect or component of a specific use computing device. The processes can be executed on one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, embedded microcontrollers, programmable digital signal processors or other programmable device, together with an internal and / or external memory. The processes can also, or instead, be incorporated into an application-specific integrated circuit, a programmable port array, programmable array logic, or any other device or combination of devices that can be configured to process electronic signs. It should also be appreciated that one or more of these processes can be performed as computer executable code capable of being executed in a machine-readable medium.
[0048] Computer executable code can be created using a structured programming language, such as C, an object-oriented programming language, such as C ++, or any other high-level or low-level programming language level (including assembly languages, hardware description languages, and database programming languages and technologies) that can be stored, compiled, or interpreted in order to run on one of the devices.
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26/41 above, as well as in heterogeneous combinations of processors, processor architectures, or combinations of different hardware and software, or any other machine capable of executing program instructions.
[0049] Therefore, in one aspect, each method described above and combinations thereof can be incorporated into executable code on a computer that, when executed on one or more computing devices, performs the steps of the same. In another aspect, the methods can be incorporated into systems that perform their steps, and can be distributed across devices in a variety of ways, or all of their functionality can be integrated into an independent, dedicated device or other hardware. In another aspect, the means for performing the steps associated with the processes described above can include any of the hardware and / or software described above. All such permutations and combinations are designed to fall within the scope of the present invention.
[0050] Although the present invention has been described in relation to the preferred embodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements therein will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the present invention should not be limited to the examples above, but should be understood in the broadest sense permitted by law.
WORKING EXAMPLES [0051] People who have lost their mobility due to injuries or illnesses, such as brain disease or spinal cord injury, stroke, or degenerative diseases, are seeking mechanized walking rehabilitation to restore healthy function. This process provides a means of repetitive movement that
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27/41 mimics normal gait in order to regain muscle strength and nervous system processing capabilities necessary for efficient walking. Several types of machines have been developed to promote normal gait movement and muscle activation patterns.
[0052] Treadmills have been used with partial body weight support systems (PBWS) to accommodate patients who have difficulty maintaining their own weight in an upright position. When the patient is unable to provide the strength to walk, physical therapists manually guide the patient's lower limbs along a walking path. This process can create ergonomic problems, with the patient suffering discomfort resulting from the PBWS belt, as well as doctors are exposed to musculoskeletal injuries due to the uncomfortable and complicated positions that they must repeatedly assume in order to provide assistance to patients. Another concern is the kinematic precision of the gait cycle in question, since the doctor can only help to approximate the desired movements.
[0053] Elliptical machines differ from treadmills and robotic systems, since they offer patients an accessible and readily available device for therapeutic training. When minimal weakness is present, the coupling of the two legs and two arms frees healthcare professionals from the need to manually move the patient's lower limbs. In addition, stability becomes greater due to the ability to provide constant contact of both feet throughout the entire cycle of movement.
[0054] Unfortunately, when the deficits in strength, balance or cardiovascular conditioning are deep, many people find access to the elliptical machine difficult. Once on the device,
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28/41 is not uncommon for people with physical disabilities to find it difficult to start or maintain pedal movement.
[0055] In order to face the above problems, a modified elliptical machine was developed. The main objective was to develop an accessible walking rehabilitation machine that can be used in rehabilitation environments, gyms or in patients' homes to help people with physical disabilities recover their walking ability and cardiovascular condition. . Design constraints with an emphasis on overcoming the challenges inherent in existing rehabilitation machines are: offering low-cost and accessible equipment, while providing an easy way to use the product that avoids ergonomic and skill problems for both patients and the clinical staff.
[0056] In summary, the development phase focuses on verifying the ability of an elliptical machine to offer the correct gait mechanics and, therefore, on projecting the necessary mechanical improvements in order to increase safety, accessibility and usability. elliptical machines by people with disabilities. Empirical comparisons of walking and movement patterns of elliptical training were performed in order to identify an elliptical machine that strictly simulates a gait.
[0057] In specific terms, twenty non-disabled individuals walked on the floor and exercised on four commercially available elliptical devices while 12 motion analysis cameras recorded all body kinematics, a surface electromyography documented the muscle activation patterns of the lower limbs , and foot insoles (footswitch) defined the patterns of foot - ground contact and the characteristics of the strides.
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29/41 [0058] The analysis revealed that the SportsArt Fitness elliptical trainer
E870 (from SportsArt Fitness, 19510 144 Ave NE, Suite A-1, Woodinville, WA 98072) demonstrated the closest similarity in cinematic profiles for walking on the floor. The EMG analysis of muscle activity also confirmed the SportsArt device's ability to effectively simulate the muscular demands of walking activity.
[0059] The development and design process then focused on developing an integrated set of modifications in order to allow people with disabilities to have safe and comfortable access to four elliptical machines. In specific terms, twenty adults with diverse medical conditions (including stroke, amputation, brain injury, arthritis, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, hip fractures, cerebral palsy) and different functional capabilities were assessed for safety, accessibility , usability and comfort of four elliptical machines. Problems and solutions to improve usage have been systematically identified. Modifications to the prototype, including an integrated system of steps, railings, modified footwells, a bench and a heart rate monitor for use with only one hand, have been developed. Participants reassessed the modified elliptical machines.
[0060] The integrated system markedly reduced the problems that participants had initially experienced when trying to use unmodified elliptical machines. Specifically, while at least a quarter of the participants needed physical assistance to get in and out of each elliptical trainer before modifications, only one needed this level of assistance after the modifications. Prior to the modifications, only one participant was able to assemble each device independently, in striking contrast
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30/41 for a percentage of 30 - 40% of participants able to access each device independently after modification. In addition, while about three quarters of participants (65 - 75%) needed assistance from two or more examiners to safely enter and exit each elliptical machine in its unmodified state, and only 30 - 35% needed this. same number of helpers after modification.
[0061] Before the elliptical machines were modified, 15% to% of the participants needed help to start and maintain the pedal movement through the different ellipticals. Although 5% to 25% still needed assistance to start the pedals, after the modification, the participants became noticeably more independent to sustain the movement for short periods of time, as evidenced by only 0 to 15% who needed help to sustain the pedal movement after modification. However, the prolonged pedal movement required for a cardiovascular training program has remained unattainable for many.
[0062] Compared to the situation before modification, elliptical assessments of participants after modification were significantly better for safety (54.7% increase in visual analog score), comfort (42.9% higher), the ability to achieve good training (23.4% higher) and general usability of elliptical machines (23.7% increase). The greater effectiveness of the participants reflects the impact of the integrated modification package in reducing usage problems.
[0063] Next, the design process emphasized providing an assistive force in place of the resistance force that is inherent in elliptical machines. An adjustable motor control has been integrated to help the patient perform repetitive cycles
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31/41 that simulate a normal gait, while allowing different degrees of effort on the part of the patient. A detailed feedback system was then developed and used with computer-based data collection and analysis in order to develop clinical guidelines for using the system.
[0064] The specific objective of applying a motor to the existing elliptical machine was to provide an external torque necessary to start and maintain the cyclical movement in the elliptical machine that could not be performed by individuals with weakness or deficits in motor control. A target of maximum controlled gear speed of 60 rpm was defined, in parallel controlling the torque and meeting space restrictions.
[0065] Initially it was desired to design all the modifications so that they could be made inside the existing housing of the elliptical machine. This was done by repositioning the integrated 12 V battery and using this space for mounting the motor and associated components. A brushed 380-W DC motor (1/2 hp) was chosen to meet the needs of high torque and limited space to place the motor on the existing machine. A Cricket microcontroller that had both analog and digital inputs and a speed control (pulse width modulation or PWM) was initially targeted for use in motor control. The main task of the microcontroller was to read an encoder signal and two analog potentiometer signals in order to control speed and maintain torque limits. The Cricket microcontroller was chosen because of its simplicity. However, the H-bridge for controlling the speeds over the microcontroller (power measurement and amplification) was unable to work with the current level required by the motor. Thus, an independent bidirectional digital PWM modulation motor speed controller
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Pending 32/41 was selected, and its I / O (Input / Output) needed a change of microcontroller in order to accommodate the largest amount and variety of data channels. The relatively simple architecture and programming of a Basic Stamp II microcontroller allowed the device to be connected to a quadrature decoder and on an AD board, sending input signals to the motor controller and taking advantage of the input of an already integrated tachometer signal. on the elliptical machine. Laboratory experiments using an engine with an integrated encoder were successful and showed that the BS-II microcontroller was able to read the encoder signal and control the desired speed. However, once the microcontroller was connected to the elliptical machine, the integrated electronic components of the machine interfered with the encoder signal and prevented the correct implementation of control over the BS-II microcontroller. In this way, an analog mode in order to directly control the motor starter was considered, as shown below.
[0066] The analog mode on the speed controller was used with a potentiometer in order to control the torque. This solution showed that it would be possible to produce a torque in order to help the cycle in question on the machine, although it did not provide enough torque to start the patient's movement from a total stop point. This was due to the characteristics of the engine (designed for optimum performance at high speed, rather than under low speed conditions).
[0067] The need for a higher starting torque led to a relaxation of space restrictions, it was decided to use a larger motor and a design of a new housing to close it. Thus, the new design iteration involved an engine with a 90-V gear with a speed controller corresponding to the manufacturer. This made it possible to control the speed
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33/41 and if sufficient torque is provided. However, once the speed was lowered, there was not enough speed to reach the goal of 60 rpm output, even after changing the ratio of the diameters of the pulleys used to couple the motor to the elliptical machine. An overall maximum system speed close to 10 rpm has been achieved with this engine gear. Another limitation of this particular engine was the amount of resistance encountered; with the speed controller off, the machine was difficult to use in its passive mode, due to the gearbox.
[0068] The engine was then changed to a 3/4 hp engine using the same speed controller. With this design it was possible to control the speed well, especially at high speeds. The adjustment of the diameters of the pulleys resulted in a maximum speed higher than the target amount of 60 rpm. An overrun cylinder tilt clutch has also been added to allow the user to drive the machine at a higher speed than the target speed of the controllers, if desired. This modification provided an important improvement to the functionality of the system as a whole.
[0069] The pulley system was designed in order to couple the engine to the elliptical machine through its generator, which charges a battery in order to energize the electronic components integrated into the machine. The pulleys were designed with an adjustment screw fixation with sliding fit on the outside of the existing generator pulley, and a key fixation to the motor shaft. The diameters were limited due to the spacing between the engine and the geometric axes of the generator axis. Within this range, the diameters were chosen as 6.0 and 10.3 centimeters (driven and driven, respectively), in order to achieve a target speed output value of 60 rpm.
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34/41 [0070] A V-belt pulley system was used for the first time in the transmission. This was a low-cost solution that allowed for adjustability through the use of modular V-belt links. The system was also indifferent to any misalignment. However, the difference in friction losses compared to flat belt systems has led to the adoption of a flat drive belt. The introduction of a flat belt used with specific custom crowned pulleys, using the same effective diameters as the V-belt system, which actually provides superior output torque in clinical evaluation for the same speed settings, and this has become the specification in the final drawing.
[0071] The dynamic evaluation of system changes demonstrates the system's ability to propel a person from zero to 60 steps per minute, while keeping the pedals on the desired path. Imposed limitations include the user's maximum allowable weight on the original elliptical machine of 136.08 kilograms (300 pounds) without the ability to provide any specific assistance force on the way.
[0072] The SportsArt Fitness E870 equipment uses an interesting variation of the crank mechanism - rocker arm in order to achieve good motion biofidelity and maintain adjustability. As with many elliptical machines, the crank is located at the rear and is connected to the pivot handles (rocker arm) by means of a long hitch link. In the case of a simpler elliptical crank - rocker arm, the pedals are located on the coupler. In this variation, an additional link type link actually participates in an auxiliary joint based on a displacement slide, with the main joint rocker anchoring the auxiliary joint. This secondary coupler has a curved contour, and the pedals are on a
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35/41 cylinder follower that moves above a small portion of this curved contour. This brings fine tuning to the movement path and allows for subtle adjustments to the ankle movements throughout the movement cycle. A steering wheel is attached to the rear crank using a set of belts and pulleys. The elliptical trainer system includes a secondary joint that adjusts the stride length (by changing the length of the rocker) and extends the shape of the pedal stroke to that of the simplest four-bar elliptical trainer designs. Damping (therefore, activity) is controlled in the unmodified system by means of an alternator attached to the steering wheel. In the auxiliary configuration, the alternator charge is kept to a minimum, only charging the on-board battery in order to run the system's electronic components.
[0073] A safety switch has been used in the system to ensure that the engine power can be turned off quickly, if necessary. Initially, a custom designed switch, involving a pair of opposite spring contact plates, was developed and implemented in prototypes. First, a triangular base was made of plastic in order to provide a platform for two conductive strips. The strips were mounted on each side of the triangular base in such a way that they are at the apex of the triangle. The folds in the strips allowed a plastic card to be inserted and to open the circuit between them. Lead wires were connected to an interrupt circuit on the motor controller. The insertion of a small plastic card between the conductive connecting strips opened the circuit and allowed the transmission of the engine to receive power. Second, an aluminum bracket was designed and manufactured in order to position the safety switch close to the user so that the plastic card could be used
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36/41 on a lanyard, similar to the security keys found in home gym equipment. Third, a cover was quickly placed on a plastic prototype, in order to protect the metal contacts from accidental short circuit events. This cover was a simple box-shaped housing with a slot at the top where the card can be inserted in order to open the circuit. The cover includes two mounting tabs on each side for attaching to the safety switch holder.
[0074] A desirable safety feature that was not achieved by this design was to prevent the machine from being started with the speed setting well above zero. Therefore, a more robust relay-based safety circuit was designed, allowing any failure in the interrupting circuit to cause the main circuit to open until the potentiometer returns to the zero position. Since the system shutdown was achieved by means of an open circuit, instead of closing a switch, as in the previous drawing, the cord design can be changed for a simpler magnetic fixation. This magnetic component, when assembled, closes the circuit, enabling the motor. The separation of the magnet caused the motor circuit to turn the power on and off. The safety switch test showed that the magnet was successfully removed from the safety switch platform by applying an appropriate level of traction force to the cord with a wide range of drag directions.
[0075] The subsequent design and refinement process emphasized assessing the impact of the integrated set of changes on the ability of individuals with and without disabilities to train on elliptical machines. The aim was not only to ensure greater usability for people with disabilities, but also to ensure that the changes did not prevent use by people without disabilities. Twenty
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37/41 adults participated in this phase of the test. Ten had chronic illnesses or physical disabilities (for example, stroke, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, amputations, or arthritis), while ten were free from known physical disabilities. Everyone was able to walk independently. Six requested the use of a support device (for example, a cane, a walker, unilateral / bilateral orthopedic devices for feet and ankles). One individual used a prosthesis above the knee and one needed a prosthesis both above the knee and below the knee.
[0076] Given the previous findings on the similarity of joint and muscle demands during training with the SportsArt E870 elliptical machine to those that occurred during a walk, this elliptical machine was selected in order to modify itself with the fully integrated system that included two stairs , a seat, modified pedals, grids, a heart rate monitor for one-handed use, an engine, a pulley, and the clutch and speed control system. Participants used both the modified and the unmodified system and provided feedback regarding the impact of the modifications. The steps improved the ability of 100% of individuals with disabilities to use the device and 60% of people without disabilities. Likewise, the modified pedal system has improved use in 100% of people with disabilities, and 40% of non-disabled people, while preventing use by only 10% of non-disabled people. A subsequent pedal design was developed, which allowed a better adjustment of the strapping mechanisms of the forefoot and heel in order to more effectively accommodate the needs of different users. The motor has improved the ability of 90% of people with disabilities to use the elliptical machine and 60% of people without disabilities.
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38/41
A disabled participant indicated that the engine prevented the use of the equipment. The grids improved use in 80% of users with disabilities and in 50% of non-disabled users, while making it difficult to use only one user with a disability, due to their waist circumference. A posterior design allowed a better adaptability to the handrail in the horizontal and vertical directions in order to accommodate clients with different abdominal circumferences and body heights, respectively. The bank improved the capacity of 70% of people with disabilities and 30% of people without disabilities to use elliptical machines, while not preventing use in any case. The need for a wider range of heights was identified during this assessment phase in order to accommodate the needs of customers with different strength capacities and different heights. The heart rate monitor for one-handed use benefited 40% of users with disabilities and 20% of non-disabled users, and at the same time did not prevent use by any user. The selected impact of the heart rate monitor was expected, since not all participants had difficulties in their upper extremities that required the use of a heart rate monitor for use with only one hand.
[0077] The integrated set of modifications significantly improved security perceptions when the average between the two groups was taken (VAS, before modification = 7.0 versus after modification = 8.8, p = 0.005), mainly due to a significant increase from before to after modification in people with disabilities (before = 4.6, after = 8.3) compared to the minimum gain recorded in people without disabilities (before = 9.3, after = 9.4; interaction p = 0.006). The changes significantly improved the perception of comfort when calculating the means between the groups (VAS,
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39/41 before modification = 7.1 versus after modification = 8.5, p = 0.045). Those with disabilities experienced a significant increase in comfort before to after modification (before = 5.7, after = 8.6) compared to the minimum decrease identified in individuals without disabilities after modification (before = 8.5, after = 8 , 3; interaction p = 0.028). The modifications significantly improved the perceptions of usability when averaged between groups (VAS, before modification = 7.0 versus after modification = 9.1, p = 0.010). Those with disabilities saw a better increase in usability before and after modification (before = 5.6, after = 9.5) compared to the more modest increase identified in individuals without disabilities (before = 8.3, after = 8.9 ; interaction p = 0.032).
[0078] In collective terms, the integrated set of modifications reduced the difficulties people with physical disabilities experienced when trying to use the elliptical machine, as well as improved the perception of usability by people without disabilities. This stage of the design process reinforced that, with the implementation of the integrated system, it was possible for a greater number of people to use the device without impairing the use by the traditional non-disabled user.
[0079] The fully integrated system was subsequently tested in three environments with more than 30 people with disabilities in order to refine the treatment guidelines and maximize its functionality. In specific terms, ten patients who participated in an intensive hospital stroke rehabilitation and a young woman who was recovering from a severe brain injury due to being submerged in water for 30 minutes trained in the modified elliptical integrated system. An access ramp was added to the platform system, since many of the users were still unable to walk. The ramp increased the capacity of clinicians
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40/41 cos helping customers to get in and out of the device and reduced the risk of injury associated with transferring severely disabled customers to the device. In addition, the platforms were modified to allow integration with a commercially available body weight support system, since many customers were not able to independently support their body weight due to their profound fragility and balance deficits. In addition, a platform was added to the front of the device to allow clinicians to combine their speech and occupational therapy activities with functional and cardiovascular training activities that are already performed using the modified elliptical trainer. The resulting dual-task training opportunities have better prepared patients for the real-world challenges of walking and talking.
[0080] In addition, ten individuals who received outpatient physical therapy for a variety of conditions, including hemiplegia, brainstem stroke, incomplete spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and degenerative joint diseases, each participated one of them, in up to 12 sessions on the modified elliptical machine. The final test environment was in a gym. The fitness machines have incorporated the modified elliptical system and therapeutic program into their fitness training for clients with physical disabilities resulting from a variety of chronic and / or progressive neurological or orthopedic problems. The modular system was easily adapted to accommodate the limitations of outpatient space in clinical facilities and physical conditioning, in addition to ensuring accessibility and usability by individuals with various medical conditions. The response from doctors, physical educators, patients and clients
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41/41 was positive, with a desire to maintain the device once the formal test was completed.
[0081] In collective terms, these ergonomic, mechanical and electronic development activities provided a ready-to-use walking rehabilitation machine, completely finished, with demonstrated clinical results.

权利要求:
Claims (21)
[1]
1. Rehabilitation and exercise machine (100) comprising:
- a structure configured to be supported by the floor;
- a first and second crank arms, said first and second crank arms being operationally connected to said structure and still operationally connected to a rotating handwheel (122);
- a first and second mobile handlebars (107);
- a first and second pedals (104);
- a set of motor and pulleys (110), the said set of motor and pulleys (110) being operationally connected to said rotating flywheel 9122) and are configured so as to drive said rotating flywheel (122), and being that said motor and pulley assembly (110) is capable of operating at variable speeds, thus driving said rotating flywheel (122) at variable speeds;
- a first and second coupling link (109), each of said first and second coupling link (109) having a first end and a second end, said first end of said first coupling link ( 109) is operatively connected to said first crank arm and said second end of said first engaging link (109) is operatively connected to said first movable handlebar (107), said first end of said second engaging link ( 109) is operationally connected to said second crank arm and said second end of said second engagement link (109) is operationally connected to said second movable handlebar (107), and said first pedal (104) is operationally connected said first coupling link (109) through a secondary coupler, and
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[2]
2/5 than said second pedal (104) is operatively connected to said second engagement link (109);
- a motor controller (301) with speed button (302), said motor controller (301) being operationally connected to said motor and pulley assembly (110), and said motor controller (301) ) is capable of controlling the variable speed of said motor and pulley set (110), characterized by the fact that the rehabilitation and exercise machine (100) is configured to support a user in a vertical orientation and, in order to provide assistance to a user to pass through a part of his walk, the motor of the motor and pulley assembly (110) is adjusted to provide an explosion of force necessary for the coupling links (109) through the operatively connected rotating wheel (122) and the first and second crank arms.
2. Rehabilitation and exercise machine (100), according to claim 1, characterized by further comprising a microcontroller unit (119), said microcontroller unit (119) being operationally connected to said motor controller (301 ), and said microcontroller unit (119) is operational in the sense of controlling said speed button (302) of said motor controller (301).
[3]
3. Rehabilitation and exercise machine (100), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said motor of said motor and pulley assembly (110) includes a freewheel clutch (127), said clutch of freewheel (127) allowing the decoupling of the motor and pulley assembly (110) from said rotating flywheel (122).
[4]
4. Rehabilitation and exercise machine (100), according to claim 1, characterized by also comprising a platform (101) configured around said structure, being said
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3/5 platform (101) includes at least one step (101a, b), said at least one step (101a, b) helping the user of said machine (100) to mount said user's feet on said pedals (104).
[5]
5. Rehabilitation and exercise machine (100), according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that said platform (101) also includes at least one inclined area (101c), with said at least one inclined area ( 101c) helps the user of said machine (100) to place the feet of said user on said pedals (104).
[6]
6. Rehabilitation and exercise machine (100), according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that said platform also includes adjustable handrails (103) attached to said platform (101).
[7]
7. Rehabilitation and exercise machine (100), according to claim 1, characterized by also comprising an adjustable bench (102) coupled to said machine (100), allowing a user of said machine (100) to sit on the said bank (102) during the use of said machine (100).
[8]
8. Rehabilitation and exercise machine (100), according to claim 2, characterized by further comprising a computing device (120), said microcontroller unit (119) being connected to said computing device (120) and includes a means for transmitting measurable computer data to said computing device (120).
[9]
9. Rehabilitation and exercise machine (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first and second pedals (104) include a pouch (105) and a strap arrangement (106) in order to avoid the spontaneous movement of the feet of a user of said machine (100), while the feet of said user are on said pedals (104).
[10]
10. Recovery and exercise device (100), according to
Petition 870190088058, of 9/6/2019, p. 48/54
4/5 with claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a remote control device (114) in order to remotely control the speed of said motor of said motor and pulley assembly (110).
[11]
Rehabilitation and exercise machine (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a stop mechanism (111) in order to stop the motor of said motor and pulley assembly (110).
[12]
12. Rehabilitation and exercise machine (100), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said first and second mobile handlebars (107) include handles (112).
[13]
13. Rehabilitation and exercise machine (100), according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that it comprises a microcontroller unit (119), where said microcontroller unit (119) is operationally connected to said motor of said set motor and pulleys (110), said flywheel (122), and said handles (112) through a plurality of sensors.
[14]
14. Rehabilitation and exercise machine (100), according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that said plurality of sensors includes a means for transmitting a plurality of electrical signals to said microcontroller unit (119), being that said microcontroller unit (119) includes a means for converting said plurality of electrical signals into measurable computer data.
[15]
15. Rehabilitation and exercise machine (100), according to claim 14, characterized by further comprising a computing device (120), said microcontroller unit (119) being connected to said computing device (120) , and said plurality of sensors includes a means for transmitting said plurality of electrical signals to said microcontroller unit (119), said microcontroller unit (119)
Petition 870190088058, of 9/6/2019, p. 49/54
5/5 includes a means for converting said plurality of electrical signals into measurable computer data and also for transmitting said data to said computing device (120).
[16]
16. Rehabilitation and exercise machine (100), according to claim 15, characterized by the fact that said computing device (120) also includes a program for decoding said measurable computer data.
[17]
17. Rehabilitation and exercise machine (100), according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that said computing device (120) also includes a program for converting data decoded by said program for decoding said data measurable computer systems in a plurality of electrical control signals.
[18]
18. Rehabilitation and exercise machine according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that said computing device (120) further includes a means for transmitting to said microcontroller unit (119) said plurality of electrical signals control values converted from said decoded data.
[19]
19. Rehabilitation and exercise machine (100), according to claim 14, characterized by the fact that said microcontroller unit (119) also includes a programmable processor.
[20]
20. Rehabilitation and exercise machine (100), according to claim 19, characterized by the fact that said programmable processor includes a program for decoding said measurable computer data.
[21]
21. Rehabilitation and exercise machine (100), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it also comprises a body weight support system (115) to accommodate a user in a vertical position, in a walking position, and / or standing.

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同族专利:

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公开号 | 公开日

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CA2776626A1|2011-04-21|

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EP2488260A4|2016-04-06|

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BR112012008610A2|2017-06-13|

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WO2011046789A1|2011-04-21|

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JP2013507224A|2013-03-04|

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ES2782377T3|2020-09-14|

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US20110086742A1|2011-04-14|

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CN102665827B|2015-05-13|

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US8007405B2|2011-08-30|

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CN102665827A|2012-09-12|

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EP2488260B1|2020-01-08|

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EP2488260A1|2012-08-22|

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CA2776626C|2014-08-19|

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法律状态:
2019-01-08| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

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2019-07-16| B06T| Formal requirements before examination [chapter 6.20 patent gazette]|

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2019-11-19| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

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2020-01-14| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 06/10/2010, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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US25071809P| true| 2009-10-12|2009-10-12|

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PCT/US2010/051711|WO2011046789A1|2009-10-12|2010-10-06|Improved rehabilitation and exercise machine|

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