Fall Arresting Lift Machine with Motorized Strap and IMU Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with mobility limitations, such as the aged, ill, and infirm, face challenges in safely using toilets due to difficulties in sitting and standing, which can lead to falls and increased healthcare needs, with existing mobility-assist devices being inadequate in providing independence and safety during toileting tasks.
Innovation Solution
The Fall Arresting Lift Machine features a gantry with a motorized strap system, harness, and inertial measurement units (IMUs) that analyze gait patterns to detect falls and assist users in sitting and standing, using a machine learning algorithm to prevent falls by arresting abrupt acceleration and providing independence during toileting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mobility-assist devices (handrails, walkers) are used, then basic support is provided, but they require the user to have sufficient strength to move themselves and provide no fall protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical support systems (handrails, walkers) with an automated motorized lift system. The motorized winch and strap mechanism automatically provide lifting force without requiring the user to generate their own support force, while sensors and control systems automatically detect falls and activate protection without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring through sensors that detect user position and fall events, automatically activates the motorized lift when needed, and provides fall protection without requiring user strength or intervention. The device serves itself by autonomously determining when assistance is required and providing it.
2Reliability
If hospital lifts are used to transfer patients, then patient safety is improved, but the devices lack mobility and ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the safety function into separate modular components: a mobile gantry with motorized lift mechanism, sensor systems for fall detection, and control systems. This segmentation allows the device to maintain hospital-lift-level safety through the motorized lift while achieving walker-level mobility through the mobile gantry design with wheels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static safety devices (fixed hospital lifts) to a dynamic mobile platform. The gantry can move to different locations, and the motorized lift dynamically adjusts strap tension and lifting force based on real-time sensor feedback and user needs, providing both mobility and safety.
3Ease of operation
If wheelchairs are used for patient mobility, then unassisted movement within facilities is provided, but they require assistance for entering and exiting and cause muscle atrophy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile gantry with motorized lift as an intermediary device between the wheelchair and the toilet. The user remains in their wheelchair for general mobility, then the gantry provides assisted transfer and positioning for toileting tasks, combining the benefits of unassisted wheelchair mobility with supported toileting independence.
4Ease of operation
If walkers are used to provide a stable platform, then portability and some lowering capability are achieved, but the user still needs sufficient strength for movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical lowering and support mechanism of walkers with an automated motorized winch system. The motor provides the lifting and lowering force, eliminating the need for user strength while maintaining portability through the mobile gantry design. The sensor systems automatically detect falls and activate protection, providing reliability that walkers cannot offer.
Data Source
AI summary
A fall arresting lift machine has a gantry upon casters, a power source upon the gantry, a drive with a motor upon the gantry in communication with the power source, a controller in communication with the motor and the power source, a vertical strap paying out from the drive motor, a harness upon the strap, and the harness is suitable for wearing by a user. The gantry includes feet, housings, uprights, elbows, braces, and a union. The harness has straps for over both shoulders of the user and a belt and inertial measurement units upon the straps. The drive and controller cooperate to assist a user to sit and to stand, and to detect abrupt acceleration typical of a fall, and arrest the fall. The casters swivel, or alternately select wheels remain in fixed orientation.