Collapsible Walker with Detachable Luggage Bag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional walkers are bulky and difficult to transport, preventing users from carrying additional bags, and existing solutions either limit pocket capacity or increase the weight and bulk of travel bags when incorporating a walker.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible walker assembly with a framework and folding leg elements supported by wheels, integrated with travel bags that attach via linkages and hook connectors, allowing the bags to be carried while using the walker and detached for airline overhead compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional walker is used to provide physical support, then a person can support their own weight and prevent falling, but the walker is bulky and difficult to transport in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The walker is divided into separable components: the collapsible frame structure can be detached from the luggage bag, allowing the walker frame to be folded for transport while the bag with attached walker can be checked as luggage independently
Solution Approach 2:
The walker frame is designed to collapse into a compact configuration that nests within or alongside the luggage bag, reducing the overall volume when not in use and facilitating transport in confined spaces
2Volume of moving object
If a walker is checked as luggage at the airplane door, then it becomes compact enough for airline storage, but it cannot be used to help a person board the airplane
Solution Approach 1:
The walker frame incorporates collapsible mechanisms with movable joints and folding linkages that allow transition between an extended operational configuration providing support and a collapsed compact configuration for airline storage
3Reliability
If a person uses a walker to maintain stability, then they have physical support, but they have no free hand to carry or pull a carry-on bag
Solution Approach 1:
The walker frame is integrated with a luggage bag through attachment mechanisms, combining the support function of the walker with the carrying function of the bag into a single unified system, allowing the user to grasp the walker handles with both hands while the bag is transported separately
4Adaptability or versatility
If carry bags are added to the frame of the walker to allow carrying, then a person can transport bags, but the pockets have to be very thin and narrow limiting capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying capacity is separated from the walker frame itself and instead placed in a detachable luggage bag that attaches to the frame, allowing the bag to have sufficient volume and capacity without constraining the walker's collapsible structure
5Adaptability or versatility
If a walker is incorporated into the structure of a suitcase, then a person can travel with the bag incorporating the walker, but the travel bag becomes heavier and bulkier than needed
Solution Approach 1:
The walker frame is extracted as a separate detachable component from the luggage bag, allowing the bag to be used independently without the walker's weight when the walker is not needed, while still providing attachment points on the bag for securing the walker frame when required
Data Source
AI summary
A push luggage assembly with a luggage bag and walker. The walker has a collapsible framework, wherein the walker has a first frame element, a second frame element and a flexible support panel that extends between the first frame element and the second frame element. The walker has folding leg elements that extend from the frame elements. Both the frame elements and the leg elements are supported by wheels. Travel bags are provided that are sized to attach to the walker. The travel bags engage the linkages that extend between the frame elements.