Balance Trainer With Rear Wheels For Upright Posture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobility devices do not effectively stimulate anatomically correct posture or promote a rhythmic gait, which are crucial for improving walking ability and relearning to walk for individuals with mobility issues due to disease, injury, or aging.
Innovation Solution
A unique mobility device with a centered wheel, adjustable handle placement allowing arm scooping, and elevated rear wheels that align the user's center of gravity, encouraging upright posture and rhythmic walking by allowing the center wheels to roll freely, facilitating proper body mechanics and weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional anterior mobility devices (walkers) are used, then users gain security and mobility support, but the devices do not stimulate anatomically correct posture or promote rhythmic gait
Solution Approach 1:
The device inverts the traditional walker configuration by placing the wheel assembly behind the user rather than in front. This inversion allows the user to lean forward slightly while the rear wheels provide support, naturally encouraging an upright posture rather than the forward-leaning posture required by conventional walkers. The rear wheel placement also enables the device to follow the user's natural gait rhythm rather than dictating it.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple functions into a single system: it provides mobility support like a walker, stimulates anatomically correct posture through its unique rear wheel configuration, and promotes rhythmic gait through the natural rolling motion of the wheels. The adjustable handlebars and frame height allow adaptation to different user needs and abilities.
2Strength
If stationary devices (parallel bars, treadmills) are used, then users can build strength to support body weight, but the devices do not target anatomically correct posture with even and rhythmic walking gait
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows users to support their own body weight through their legs and core muscles while the rear wheels provide passive support and stability. The user's natural walking motion causes the rear wheels to roll forward, eliminating the need for external support mechanisms while still providing stability. This self-service approach promotes natural walking mechanics rather than machine-assisted movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static support structure to a dynamic system where the rear wheels roll forward in response to the user's natural gait rhythm. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to accommodate variations in walking speed and rhythm while maintaining support, encouraging natural and varied movement patterns rather than rigid, machine-imposed motion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional gait trainers with four legs and wheels are used, then users receive training and mobility support, but the centered wheel placement and arm scooping capability are missing
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the essential support function from complex four-legged walker structures and concentrates it in a single rear wheel assembly. This simplification removes unnecessary structural complexity while retaining the core training and mobility functions. The rear wheel placement and handlebar configuration provide all necessary support and guidance without requiring multiple legs or complex mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A Balance and Walking Trainer for improving the ability to walk, particularly for relearning to walk, which includes a base frame, three pairs of wheel casters, one front pair, one center pair aligned centrally with the user, and one rear pair, which is smaller in diameter than the front and center pairs and which floats above the ground. The Balance and Walking Trainer further comprises two pairs of telescoping risers affixed essentially vertical and also perpendicular to the base frame, wherein the first pair of telescoping risers are aligned substantially with the center wheels. In order for correct body mechanics to be maintained, a user may “scoop” his hands onto the handles to operate the Balance and Walking Trainer with correct body mechanics. The second pair of telescoping risers is aligned posterior to the first telescoping risers and a U-shaped bumbar is releasably attached to provide structure and stability to the Balance and Walking trainer and to provide a seat for the user or to provide a means to catch the user if user should fall backwards while operating the invention.