Armrest Gas Spring Mechanism for Standing Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional walking support devices require significant labor for helpers to assist users in standing up and walking, and are often too large and costly, with difficulties in assisting users in maintaining balance while standing or walking.
Innovation Solution
A standing-up assist tool with a gas spring supporting mechanism that allows the armrest to change posture from an ordinary to a forward-tilt position, reducing the force required for standing up and enabling easy height adjustment, using a gas spring switch mechanism integrated into the armrest for convenient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional walker with fixed armrests is used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but it requires significant labor from helpers to assist users in standing up and cannot adapt to different user needs
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest is designed to dynamically change its posture from an ordinary horizontal position to a forward-tilt position during the standing-up process. This dynamic adjustment allows the armrest to provide optimal support at different stages of the standing-up motion, reducing the effort required by users while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A gas spring mechanism is integrated into the armrest support structure to provide the necessary lifting force. The gas spring automatically engages and disengages based on the armrest's position, utilizing pneumatic principles to assist the user's standing-up motion without requiring complex mechanical linkages or active control systems.
2Ease of operation
If a high armrest is used to support users, then users can be supported while sitting, but the armrest becomes too high for users to comfortably hang on when standing or changing underwear
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest's ability to tilt forward and adjust its effective height dynamically allows it to serve multiple functions: providing support at a higher position when the user is seated, and lowering to a more accessible position when the user is standing or when helpers need to assist with tasks like changing underwear. This dynamic adjustment enhances the device's adaptability to different user positions and care scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If helpers manually support user weight during standing up, then users receive direct assistance, but helpers experience significant physical labor and strain
Solution Approach 1:
The gas spring mechanism is designed to automatically activate when the armrest tilts forward to its predetermined angle during the standing-up process. The system self-regulates by providing lifting force only when needed (when the armrest is in the forward-tilt position) and disengaging when the armrest returns to the ordinary position, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention and reducing helper energy expenditure.
4Ease of operation
If a large-scaled walking support device with automated armrest is used, then users receive assistance with standing up, but the device becomes costly and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The standing-up assistance function is segmented from the overall walking support device. Instead of incorporating a fully automated complex system into the entire walker, only the armrest portion is equipped with the gas spring mechanism. This segmentation allows the assistance function to be added to a simple, cost-effective walker design without requiring large-scale structural modifications or complex control systems throughout the entire device.
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
Reduces the load on helpers by allowing users to stand up with less assistance, enabling easier walking and sitting motions, and can be used at various heights, significantly reducing the workload for helpers and improving user independence.
Implementation Method 1
a support mechanism (2) comprising a gas spring (22)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is provided with a support mechanism for an armrest part that includes a gas spring. The support mechanism supports the armrest part in a state of being able to change a posture between an ordinary posture and a forward-tilt posture when the gas spring is locked, and the support mechanism supports the armrest part so as to make the armrest part move with forming an arc from a sitting corresponding position to a standing corresponding position that is located at a forward upper position when the gas spring is unlocked. A gas spring switch part that does not obstruct the locked state of the gas spring when the armrest part is in the ordinary posture and that releases the locked state of the gas spring at a time when the armrest part is in the forward-tilt posture is arranged between the gas spring and the armrest part.