Upper-limb training apparatus

Abstract

An upper-limb training apparatus allows a user's two upper limbs to independently and actively perform flexion and extension along a round track, so that the user's the two upper limbs can receive proper training, respectively.

1 . An upper-limb apparatus, comprising:
 a) a first operation module and a second operation module settled at two sides of a main body of the upper-limb training apparatus;   b) a first resistance device and a second resistance device settled in the main body, each of the first operation module and the second operation module being linked to the first resistance device and the second resistance device by a shaft, respectively, and being allowed to rotate in either direction, the first resistance device and the second resistance device providing rotational resistance loads to the shafts so that each of the first operation module and the second operation module bears respective rotational resistance independently, each of the first resistance device and the second resistance device being self-contained and free of external bands so as to be readily interchangeable and readily replaceable;   c) a resistance control system comprising a first resistance adjusting unit, a second resistance adjusting unit, a first resistance setting unit, and a second resistance setting unit, wherein the first resistance adjusting unit is coupled to the first resistance device and receives a resistance information input from the first resistance setting unit so as to adjust the rotational resistance load that the first resistance device applies to the first operation module according to the received resistance information, and the second resistance adjusting unit is coupled to the second resistance device and receives a resistance information input from the second resistance setting unit so as to adjust the rotational resistance load that the second resistance device applies to the second operation module according to the received resistance information; and   d) a display being such settled that a user of the training apparatus can easily watch contents displayed in the display.   
   
   
       2 . The upper-limb training apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising an interactive control system that primarily comprises a first sensor, a second sensor, and an interactive software program, the first and the second sensor detecting rotational directions, rotational angles, and rotational speeds of the first operation module and the second operation module, respectively, converting sensing results into specific signals, and transmitting the signals to the interactive software program, the interactive software program then presenting a dynamic scene controlled thereby in the display. 
   
   
       3 . The upper-limb training apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising an interactive control system that primarily comprises a first sensor, a second sensor, and an evaluation software program, the first sensor and the second sensor detecting rotational directions, rotational angles, and rotational speeds of the first operation module and the second operation module, respectively, converting sensing results into specific signals, and transmitting the signals to the evaluation software program, the evaluation software program then presenting evaluation results to the display. 
   
   
       4 . The upper-limb training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first resistance setting unit and the second resistance setting unit are a first adjusting element and a second adjusting element settled on the main body. 
   
   
       5 . The upper-limb training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first resistance setting unit and the second resistance setting unit are presented in the display, and the display has a touch screen. 
   
   
       6 . The upper-limb training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein each of the first operation module and the second operation module generates a respective round moving track defined by a rotational movement thereof. 
   
   
       7 . The upper-limb training apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein each said shaft has a first end and a second end positioned opposite at an axis thereof, in which the first end pierces into the first resistance device or the second resistance device, and the second end is assembled perpendicular to a corresponding shank, each said shank having affixed thereto a handle. 
   
   
       8 . The upper-limb training apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein a joint element fixedly attached to the second end of each said shaft has a radially extending through hole that receives one end of the shank, and a positioning element detachably coupled to the joint element to fix the shank with respect to the joint element. 
   
   
       9 . The upper-limb training apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the shank has a plurality of holes aligned as a line, and the positioning element has a positioning pin so that when the positioning pin is inserted into one said hole, the shank is fixed to the joint element. 
   
   
       10 . The upper-limb training apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the handle is a horizontal handle so as to allow a user to hold it horizontally and actively operate the first operation module and the second operation module. 
   
   
       11 . The upper-limb training apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein a rotation element is pivotally connected to an opposite end of the shank, and the horizontal handle is mounted around the rotation element.