Design of Automated Physiotherapy Device for Knee Rehabilitation Using TRIZ

Abstract

Automated physiotherapy device for knee rehabilitation (APK) is a portable and weightless device for knee rehabilitation at home. The new design is improved using TRIZ, as one of the systematic innovation tools where the focus is to reduce the weight and size of the existing product. There are several elegant solutions have been established for the initial design of this APK where the device can be fit into any type of chair, thinner belts for leg positioning, hanging remote control, stack up LCD and keypad, retractable knee placement and worm gear to increase the torque. In addition, the device will allow the user to set the speed of movement and the timing for the exercise. The device has manual and auto mode for the user feasibility to lift up and lift down the leg based on their desire. It also consists of muscle and motion sensor to detect the movement of user’s muscle and the knee. These sensors will trigger and send signal to deactivate the motor if the user is able to move their leg and vice versa. Graphical user interface (GUI) will be generated to monitor the patient’s recovery by the physiotherapist via universal serial bus (USB) port.