Personal Assistive Device with Weighted Base for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assistive devices for individuals with physical disabilities are often inflexible and unstable, making it difficult for users to safely reposition themselves in various environments, such as small spaces or without a fixed structure, and may not securely anchor to the floor, leading to instability during use.
Innovation Solution
A personal assistive device with a floor base that can be anchored or weighted for stability, featuring an upright support with a bracing handle and a shelf for holding items, designed to facilitate safe repositioning from sitting to standing and vice versa, with components such as elongated support columns, a curved bracing handle, and a flat shelf, ensuring secure and balanced support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fixed railings are installed to provide stable support, then stability is improved, but adaptability to different locations and spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components: a base unit with weighting mechanism and an upright support structure. This segmentation allows the base to remain stationary for stability while the upright component can be positioned at various locations for adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base incorporates a dynamic weighting system where weights can be added or removed based on the specific application needs and floor conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the same device to adapt to different locations while maintaining stability through appropriate weight configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If portable assistive devices are used to increase adaptability, then adaptability is improved, but stability deteriorates due to lack of anchoring
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit incorporates counterweights that can be added to increase downward force and prevent the device from tipping or moving during use. This counterweight mechanism directly addresses the stability issue while the overall device remains portable and adaptable.
Solution Approach 2:
The weighting system is designed to be dynamic, allowing users to adjust the amount of weight based on the specific task and environmental conditions. This enables the device to transition between portable and anchored states as needed.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the device is designed to be anchored to the floor for stability, then stability is improved, but ease of installation and relocation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the anchoring function into a distinct base unit that can be independently installed. This segmentation allows the upright support to be easily moved and repositioned while the base remains anchored, combining stability with ease of relocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The base acts as an intermediary between the floor and the upright support structure. It provides the anchoring function through weighting mechanisms while allowing the upper components to remain portable and easily reconfigurable.
Data Source
AI summary
A personal assistive device is an apparatus that enables the user to safely self-reposition with little or no help from other users. The apparatus includes a floor base, an upright support, a bracing handle, and a shelf. The floor base serves to secure the upright support to the floor to provide balance to the upright support and to prevent the upright support from moving while the user is holding onto the apparatus. The upright support is an elongated structure long enough to position the bracing handle at a height where the user can easily reach the bracing handle. The bracing handle serves as a secure object the user can grab onto to prevent the user from falling while the user is repositioning using the apparatus. The shelf serves to retain various items close to the user while the user is resting on a fixture.