Walking Boot Cane Attachment With Weight-Bearing Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional crutches are cumbersome, cause discomfort and pain, limit hand use, and make it difficult to regulate weight distribution, hindering recovery and daily activities for individuals with lower limb injuries.
Innovation Solution
A crutch-free air boot accessory with a telescoping cane and adjustable height, integrated with orthopedic walking boots, featuring a spring button locking mechanism and a dial weight indicator to monitor and regulate weight application, providing ergonomic support and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional crutches are used for mobility support, then weight-bearing assistance is provided, but upper body discomfort and strain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the weight-bearing support function from traditional crutches and relocates it to the lower limb boot device. The boot contains an integrated support structure with adjustable struts that bear weight directly at the injured limb rather than requiring upper body support, thereby eliminating underarm and shoulder discomfort while maintaining weight-bearing assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary support structure within the boot that acts as a mediator between the ground and the injured limb. This internal strut system provides mechanical support and weight distribution without requiring external crutches or upper body involvement, thus reducing harmful strain on the upper body while maintaining necessary force support.
2Force
If traditional crutches are used for mobility support, then weight distribution can be achieved, but precise weight regulation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates a weight measurement device with a display that provides real-time feedback on the load borne by the injured limb. This feedback mechanism allows users to precisely monitor and regulate weight distribution, ensuring they adhere to prescribed weight-bearing limits during rehabilitation. The digital display translates mechanical load into readable numerical data, enabling precise weight regulation that was difficult with traditional crutches.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the purely mechanical weight-bearing system of traditional crutches with a hybrid system that integrates sensors and electronic display. This substitution transforms the abstract concept of weight distribution into measurable, controllable parameters, allowing precise regulation through visual feedback rather than relying on user estimation or complex mechanical adjustments.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional crutches are used for mobility support, then stability is provided, but hand mobility and task performance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the mobility support function with the orthopedic boot itself, creating an integrated device that provides stability directly at the injured limb. By combining the boot structure with internal support struts and weight-bearing mechanisms, the device eliminates the need for separate hand-held crutches, thereby maintaining mobility stability while freeing both hands for daily tasks and improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An air or walking boot accessory to enhance mobility and independence for individuals using orthopedic walking boots is disclosed. The accessory integrates with or removably attaches to conventional orthopedic or walking boots. The accessory includes a telescoping cane or pole having a plurality of apertures, an ergonomic handle, and an air shock relief member. A cane receiving member accommodates the cane and includes a spring button locking mechanism for secure height adjustment of the cane. In some embodiments, a forearm support crutch can be accommodated in the cane receiving member. A clip member securely attaches the device to the boot, while a slip-resistant cylindrical member enhances stability. Additionally, the device includes a dial weight indicator with a calibration mechanism to monitor and display the applied weight, ensuring users adhere to doctor-prescribed weight-bearing limits. A user can walk with support from the cane or other supporting member.