Ambulatory Aid Device Radial Arm Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with undeveloped or impaired ability to walk and stand face challenges such as muscular atrophy, flexion contracture, and pain due to lack of ambulatory motion, necessitating an improved system for assistance and training.
Innovation Solution
An ambulatory aid device comprising a fixed support structure and a movable user support structure that allows users to walk or stand with gravitational support, featuring adjustable and interchangeable user support elements, enabling movement in a circular path while being anchored to a stationary base, which can rotate, providing safety and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed support structure with a movable user support structure is used, then user safety and control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a fixed support structure (ceiling or wall mounted), a movable user support structure with radial arms, and a control system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall safety and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial arm structure acts as an intermediary between the fixed support structure and the user support structure, providing controlled movement while maintaining safety constraints. The radial arms guide the user through arc-shaped paths, ensuring safety without requiring direct fixed-contact intervention.
2Ease of operation
If the user support structure is movable in a circular path, then user independence and mobility are improved, but control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The user support structure moves along curved arc-shaped paths defined by the radial arms rotating about the axial structure. This curvature provides natural guidance for movement, reducing the precision requirements for control systems while ensuring safe, controlled motion throughout the rehabilitation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial arm structure serves multiple functions: it defines the circular path for movement, provides structural support, and acts as a control mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate precision control systems while maintaining user independence.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable and interchangeable user support elements are provided, then adaptability to different users is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The user support structure incorporates adjustable components that can be dynamically reconfigured for different users and rehabilitation stages. Elements such as seat height, radial arm length, and support positioning can be modified to accommodate varying user needs while maintaining a unified device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Adjustable components are designed to nest within or attach to the main device structure, allowing for easy reconfiguration without requiring separate storage or complex assembly procedures. This nesting approach maintains adaptability while minimizing the overall device footprint and complexity.
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 users to ambulate independently, improving muscle strength, bone density, circulation, and social interaction, while ensuring safety for both the user and caregivers, by allowing controlled movement within a fixed area.
Implementation Method 1
the user support structure is configured to provide gravitational support to a user while walking or standing
Data Source
AI summary
An ambulatory aid device includes a fixed position support, and a movable user support structure coupled to the fixed position support. The user support structure includes at least one of a headrest, a trunk support, a pelvic support, and/or seat, which may be height adjustable, position adjustable, size adjustable, and/or interchangeable.