Adjustable Walker With Integrated Removable Cane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walkers are often of fixed width, making them difficult to maneuver in narrow spaces and unsuitable for patients who require either a broader base of support or need to transition from a walker to a cane, leading to safety risks and increased costs due to separate purchases.
Innovation Solution
A walker with adjustable width and a removable integrated cane, featuring a support brace with telescoping members and spring-loaded pins for width adjustment and a trough system for cane integration, allowing for customizable width and seamless transition between walker and cane use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed-width walker is used, then the walker provides a stable base of support, but it is difficult to maneuver in narrow spaces and doorways
Solution Approach 1:
The walker incorporates an adjustable width mechanism that allows the frame width to be dynamically changed. The support brace connecting the front legs can be adjusted to change the distance between them, enabling the walker to transition from a wide stable configuration to a narrow maneuverable configuration as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of frame width is made variable through the adjustable support brace mechanism. Users can modify the width parameter to match different environmental requirements (narrow doorways versus open spaces) and different user needs (stability versus maneuverability).
2Device complexity
If a fixed-width walker is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate varying patient needs for broader base of support
Solution Approach 1:
The walker includes adjustable components that allow the frame width and leg height to be modified according to different patient requirements. This dynamic adjustability enables the same device to serve multiple patient needs without requiring multiple different walkers.
Solution Approach 2:
The walker is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be adjusted for different patient sizes, used in various environments (narrow or wide spaces), and provides both walker support and optional cane support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices.
3Reliability
If a walker and cane are purchased separately, then each device can be optimized independently, but the total cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The walker incorporates an integrated cane mechanism where a cane can be attached to and removed from the walker frame. This merging of two separate devices into one integrated unit allows patients to have both walker and cane functionality without purchasing and storing two separate devices, reducing overall cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design allows the same device to function as either a walker or a cane depending on the patient's current needs. The cane component can be attached when additional support is needed and removed when the patient requires less assistance, providing versatile functionality in a single purchase.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe navigation through narrow spaces, accommodates varying patient needs, and reduces costs by integrating both devices into one unit, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
spring-loaded pins for width adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a walker. The walker includes a first front leg, a first rear leg; and a first handle disposed between and connecting the first front leg to the first rear leg. The walker further comprises a trough region formed in a top surface of the first handle. The trough region has a hole formed therein. The walker further includes a cane having a grip region and a body portion. The body portion of the cane is removably received within the hole and the grip region of the cane is removably received within the trough region.