A REMOTELY CONTROLLED PASSIVE MOVEMENT DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED REHABILITATION AND MOBILITY

Abstract

PassiFit is an innovative remote-controlled passive movement device designed to support rehabilitation and improve mobility for individuals with limited movement capabilities. This compact and foldable device is equipped with three motors positioned at joint axes, which allow precise control of limb movements. Elastic straps enable easy attachment to the user's body, while a remote controller adjusts the range of motion, speed, and duration of movement. The device provides the benefits of passive movement exercises, including increased joint flexibility, improved circulation, and pain management, with the added convenience and accessibility of remote operation. PassiFit is suitable for rehabilitation at home or in clinical settings, promoting independence and improved quality of life for patients with neurological conditions, injuries, or illnesses that limit movement.

Specification

Description:[0019].The following description provides specific details of certain aspects of the disclosure illustrated in the drawings to provide a thorough understanding of those aspects. It should be recognized, however, that the present disclosure can be reflected in additional aspects and the disclosure may be practiced without some of the details in the following description.
[0020].The various aspects including the example aspects are now described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the various aspects of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and fully conveys the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated for clarity.
[0021].It is understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers that may be present. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0022].The subject matter of example aspects, as disclosed herein, is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventor/inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different features or combinations of features similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other technologies.
[0023].The PassiFit device represents a significant advancement in rehabilitation technology, designed to enhance the convenience, accessibility, and efficacy of passive movement therapy. It is a compact, lightweight, and portable device intended for individuals with limited mobility who require passive limb movement for rehabilitation purposes. This includes patients recovering from surgeries, injuries, neurological disorders, or those with chronic conditions that limit active movement. Traditional passive movement exercises require the assistance of a caregiver or therapist, which often makes the process cumbersome, time-consuming, and inaccessible for individuals who cannot afford regular professional care. PassiFit addresses these issues through a novel integration of passive movement therapy with remote-control technology, providing a user-friendly and effective solution for rehabilitation in both clinical and home settings.
[0024].The body of the PassiFit device is designed with a focus on adaptability and comfort. The foldable frame can expand and collapse to accommodate different limb lengths, making it suitable for users of varying sizes. This adjustability is essential to ensure that the device can be used comfortably by a wide demographic of patients, from children to adults. The frame is constructed from durable yet lightweight materials, providing structural integrity while maintaining portability. The foldable nature also enhances the device's ease of storage, making it practical for users with limited space at home.
[0025].Elastic straps are included as part of the design to ensure that the device can be securely attached to the user's body with minimal effort. These straps are adjustable, allowing for a tight but comfortable fit that ensures the device remains in place during operation without causing discomfort. This aspect of the design is particularly important for users who may have compromised dexterity or strength, as it enables them to attach and detach the device independently or with minimal assistance. The use of elastic straps also provides a degree of flexibility, allowing for natural movement even during passive exercises, thereby reducing the risk of skin irritation or injury due to rigid attachment.
[0026].The key feature of PassiFit lies in its three integrated motors, each positioned strategically at different joint axes to facilitate a full range of controlled, passive limb movements. The motors are responsible for generating the precise movements required to simulate passive exercise, such as flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction. By placing the motors at the joint axes, PassiFit aims to replicate the natural biomechanics of limb movement, making the therapy more effective and comfortable for the user. The device's ability to operate multiple joints simultaneously further enhances the realism and effectiveness of the rehabilitation process, ensuring that exercises mimic natural movement patterns as closely as possible.
[0027].The integration of remote-control technology sets PassiFit apart from existing passive movement devices. The remote controller allows users, caregivers, or therapists to manage the range of motion, speed, and duration of the movement, providing a high degree of customization and precision. This control is crucial for tailoring therapy to each user's needs, as individuals may require different levels of intensity and movement based on their rehabilitation goals, physical condition, or comfort levels. The remote control also provides a significant level of autonomy for the user, enabling them to participate actively in their rehabilitation process, which can have a positive psychological impact, improving motivation and compliance with therapy protocols.
[0028].In addition to the ability to adjust movement parameters, the remote control feature also enhances the safety of the device. Users or caregivers can halt the movement immediately if any discomfort or issues arise, significantly reducing the risk of injury. This feature is particularly beneficial for elderly patients or those recovering from surgeries, who may be more susceptible to pain or injuries if their movements are not carefully controlled. The remote control also makes it easier for therapists to manage multiple patients at once in a clinical setting, thereby improving the efficiency of therapy sessions.
[0029].PassiFit's design also emphasizes the therapeutic benefits that passive movement exercises provide. The use of controlled, passive movement helps maintain or improve joint flexibility, increase circulation, and promote muscle relaxation. These benefits are particularly valuable for individuals who are bedridden or otherwise immobilized, as they help prevent complications such as joint stiffness, muscle atrophy, and poor circulation. By automating these exercises, PassiFit provides consistent, repetitive movements that are often difficult to achieve manually, ensuring that patients receive the therapeutic benefits they need without placing an excessive burden on caregivers.
[0030].Another aspect that distinguishes PassiFit from other rehabilitation devices is its focus on accessibility and convenience. Many existing continuous passive motion (CPM) devices are bulky and expensive, limiting their use to specialized clinical environments. PassiFit, on the other hand, is designed to be affordable and suitable for home use. This affordability and convenience make it accessible to a larger population, particularly those who may not have easy access to rehabilitation centers due to geographical or financial constraints. The ability to use the device at home allows users to integrate rehabilitation into their daily routines, which can improve adherence and, consequently, rehabilitation outcomes.
[0031].Furthermore, the PassiFit device can be a valuable tool for use in various healthcare environments. In clinics, therapists can use PassiFit to assist multiple patients simultaneously, adjusting the movement parameters to fit each patient's progress. This flexibility enhances the efficiency of therapy sessions and allows therapists to focus on other critical aspects of patient care. In assisted living environments, the device can support the mobility and independence of residents, providing them with the means to maintain physical activity even if they have limited mobility.
[0032].The adaptability of PassiFit also extends to its potential integration with other technologies. In future versions, additional sensors could be incorporated to monitor parameters such as muscle response, joint angles, or even biofeedback, providing valuable data that could be used to further personalize the rehabilitation process. Such data could also help therapists make more informed decisions about the user's progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly. Moreover, integration with mobile applications could provide users with a comprehensive overview of their rehabilitation journey, allowing them to track their progress, set goals, and receive feedback.
[0033].The PassiFit device offers an innovative solution for individuals requiring passive movement therapy by combining the benefits of traditional rehabilitation techniques with modern remote-control technology. Its compact, portable, and user-friendly design ensures that individuals with mobility challenges can access effective rehabilitation in both clinical and home settings. The integration of three motors for precise movement control, combined with elastic straps and a foldable frame, provides a comfortable and adaptable fit for a wide range of users.
[0034].The key advantage of PassiFit lies in its remote-control functionality, which empowers users to control the speed, range of motion, and duration of movements according to their specific needs. This feature not only enhances the convenience of rehabilitation but also promotes user autonomy, which is often lacking in traditional passive movement exercises. By reducing dependence on therapists and making rehabilitation accessible at home, PassiFit addresses critical barriers to care, such as limited access to healthcare facilities, financial burdens, and the availability of caregivers.
[0035].PassiFit is designed to improve joint flexibility, muscle relaxation, circulation, and overall mobility, thus optimizing the rehabilitation process for individuals recovering from surgeries, injuries, or neurological conditions. Its emphasis on safety, adaptability, and personalized care makes it suitable for a diverse group of users, including elderly individuals, patients with neurological impairments, and those recovering from orthopedic surgeries.
[0036].The device represents a significant advancement in rehabilitation technology, offering a cost-effective, easy-to-use, and versatile solution that can transform the rehabilitation experience for patients and caregivers alike. By promoting independence and ensuring consistent, high-quality therapy, PassiFit has the potential to enhance recovery outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and ultimately improve the quality of life for individuals facing mobility challenges. With ongoing efforts to make such devices affordable and widely accessible, PassiFit is poised to make a meaningful impact on the field of rehabilitation and patient care.
[0037].In conclusion, PassiFit represents a novel solution to the existing challenges faced in the field of passive movement rehabilitation. By integrating traditional passive movement techniques with modern remote-control technology, it offers a convenient, accessible, and effective way to provide targeted rehabilitation for individuals with mobility impairments. Its user-friendly design, focus on safety and comfort, and adaptability for different use cases make it a versatile tool suitable for both clinical and home environments.

PassiFit not only improves the physical rehabilitation experience for users but also promotes independence and patient engagement, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals undergoing rehabilitation. , Claims:1.A remote-controlled passive movement device, comprising:
a) A foldable body that adjusts to suit the length of a user's limb;
b) Three motors positioned at the joint axes for controlled movement;
c) Elastic straps for securing the device to the user's limb;
d) A remote controller configured to adjust the range of motion, speed, and duration of joint movements.
2.The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the foldable body is expandable to suit different limb lengths.
3.The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the remote controller allows for precise adjustment of the joint movement to facilitate rehabilitation for individuals with limited mobility.
4.The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a safety feature enabling the user to stop movement at any point to ensure safe operation.
5.A method of passive movement therapy, comprising:
a) Attaching a remote-controlled passive movement device to a limb using elastic straps;
b) Utilizing a remote controller to control the range of motion, speed, and duration of joint movement;
c) Adjusting the foldable body of the device to fit the length of the limb.
6.The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the device is configured to provide passive movement to assist in muscle relaxation, rehabilitation, and joint lubrication.

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