Flexible FRP Tubular Support for Assisted Sit-to-Stand Motion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assistive devices for elderly and handicapped individuals either fail to support residual ability, leading to decreased physical strength and function, or are costly and difficult to install, limiting their effectiveness in helping users stand up and sit down safely and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, easy-to-install assistance device using a pipe made of fiber-reinforced plastic that can be flexibly bent to provide repulsive force, allowing users to maintain and recover physical strength by supporting their body while enabling them to use their residual ability for movement, with a telescopic structure and operation mechanism to aid in standing and sitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a chain or wire supports most of the body weight to prevent falling, then safety is improved, but the care receiver cannot use residual ability and physical strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter from rigid support (chain/wire) to flexible support (bending pipe), allowing the support force to adapt dynamically. The pipe's bending stiffness enables it to provide support while allowing controlled movement, transforming the interaction from purely supportive to actively rehabilitative.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fiber-reinforced plastic composite material for the pipe, combining high strength with controlled flexibility. This composite material allows the pipe to bend under load while maintaining sufficient structural integrity, enabling both safety and movement capability simultaneously.
2Reliability
If a large-scale device is used to carry the care receiver, then support capability is improved, but installation cost and building reinforcement cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential support function from complex large-scale devices and implements it through a simple pipe structure. By removing unnecessary components and focusing on the core support mechanism, the device achieves adequate support capability with minimal structure, eliminating the need for expensive building reinforcements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex, and permanent support structures with a simple, inexpensive pipe that can be easily installed and removed. The pipe provides sufficient support for its intended purpose without requiring costly infrastructure modifications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device effectively supports users in maintaining and recovering physical strength by allowing them to use their residual ability, reducing the need for caregiver assistance and minimizing costs, while being easy to install and use, even in various settings.
Implementation Method 1
Pipes made of a fiber reinforced plastic have high strength and can be flexibly bent. The pipe being bent can softly exert a repulsive force while flexibly following the motion of the care receiver.
Data Source
AI summary
An assistance device includes at least two flexible tubular members and a torso support configured to be attached to a torso of the person. Each tubular member is made of fiber reinforced plastic and has a base or upper end attached at least indirectly to a room. Leading or lower ends of the tubular members are connected to the torso support on opposing left and right sides thereof. The tubular members have a flexibility that enables them to bend to follow the person and exert a force restoring the person to an original upright sitting or standing posture.