Circumferential Walker with Segmented Hinged Shell
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circumferential lower leg walkers are cumbersome to don and doff, lack adjustability for different leg sizes, and often cause pressure points due to inflexible designs, making them uncomfortable and ineffective for various users.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, hinged circumferential lower leg walker with quick connect tightening mechanisms, adjustable hinges, and flexible expansion joints to accommodate different leg sizes, featuring a clamshell-like design with resilient materials to reduce pressure points and facilitate easy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing wrap-around walkers use multiple straps with retaining rings, then support and stabilization are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to time-consuming donning and doffing
Solution Approach 1:
The walker is divided into multiple modular shell segments that can be independently positioned and connected. This segmentation allows the device to be easily assembled and disassembled by simply connecting or separating the shell segments, eliminating the need to manually adjust multiple straps while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The walker incorporates adjustable and movable components including repositionable shell segments and flexible expansion joints that allow dynamic adaptation to different leg sizes and shapes. This dynamic design enables quick size adjustments without requiring complete disassembly or complex strap reconfiguration.
2Device complexity
If existing walkers are designed as one size fits all, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates for users with different leg sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The walker is designed with universal adaptability through multiple adjustable parameters including shell segment positioning, expansion joint flexibility, and strap length adjustment. A single walker design can accommodate various leg sizes and shapes by adjusting these parameters, eliminating the need for multiple different walker models.
Solution Approach 2:
The walker allows continuous parameter adjustment through movable shell segments, flexible joints, and adjustable straps. These parameter changes enable the same device to adapt to different anatomical variations in leg size, shape, and circumference without requiring different walker models.
3Manufacturing precision
If existing walkers use hard edges and surfaces, then manufacturing precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to pressure points
Solution Approach 1:
The walker incorporates different material properties in different regions: hard structural shells for structural integrity and support, combined with soft cushioning materials at contact points. This local quality differentiation maintains manufacturing precision for the structural components while adding comfort features where they are most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The walker uses composite construction combining rigid shell materials for structural strength with soft cushioning materials for comfort. This composite approach allows the device to maintain structural integrity while minimizing pressure points and discomfort at user contact areas.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic device includes a posterior shell with ankle and foot receiving portions. The foot receiving portion defines a plantar shell portion and side shell portions extending along first and second sides of the plantar shell portion and forming an open-ended toe portion. A toe protector portion is removably attached to the posterior shell at the open-ended toe portion and arranged to protect the toes of the user. The toe protector portion extends between the side shell portions and longitudinally along a length of the side shell portions. At least one inflatable bladder is disposed in at least the ankle receiving portions and at least one pump assembly is in fluid communication with the at least one inflatable bladder.