Combination Wheelchair-Walker with Arc Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wheelchairs and walkers require patients to switch between two separate devices, which can lead to a fear of falling and decreased mobility, limiting their ability to practice walking skills without assistance.
Innovation Solution
A combination wheelchair-walker device with a front and back frame, featuring arc-shaped members, front and rear wheels, skids, footrests, push rails, and a fall restraint assembly, allowing users to transition between seated and standing positions without converting the device, and incorporating self-propulsion and safety features like hand brakes and safety straps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If patients use separate wheelchairs and walkers, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but patients must switch between two devices which increases complexity and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a wheelchair and walker into a single integrated device. The frame structure integrates both wheelchair functions (seat, backrest, rear castor wheels) and walker functions (front drive wheels, hand grips, footrests) that can be used independently or together, eliminating the need for separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be used as a wheelchair for seated transport, as a walker for standing support and walking practice, and in transitional modes. The universal design allows one device to replace multiple specialized devices.
2Ease of operation
If patients use a walker, then they can practice walking skills, but the fear of falling prevents individuals from attempting to use a walker
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a fall restraint system with safety straps that can be engaged before walking attempts. The straps connect the user to the device frame, providing protection against falls during walking practice while allowing movement freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows users to prepare for walking by positioning themselves in the seated configuration first, engaging safety straps, and adjusting support elements before attempting to stand and walk, ensuring safety measures are in place before the risky action.
3Extent of automation
If the device includes self-propulsion capabilities, then users gain independence, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be self-propelled by the user through hand grips connected to front drive wheels, eliminating the need for external propulsion assistance. The user can independently move the device in both wheelchair and walker modes without requiring another person to push or guide it.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination wheelchair-walker having an upper frame; a lower frame comprised of two arc-shaped members, in which each arch-shaped member is configured to extend from the front of the device to the back of the device, each of the two arc-shaped members having a front end and a rear end; two front wheels; two rear caster wheels, each of which is attached to the rear end of one of the two arc-shaped members; and two skids, each of which is attached to the front end of one of the two arc-shaped members. The upper frame is configured to be detached from the lower frame by unlocking four retention pins and lifting the upper frame off of the lower frame.