Gait Trainer Support and Folding Assemblies for User Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gait trainers face challenges in user positioning, support, freedom of movement, ease of accessory connection and disconnection, gait trainer movement, braking, and locking, which affect their effectiveness and usability.
Innovation Solution
The innovations include adjustable lateral supports, multi-axial supports, frame folding assemblies, detachable support couplings, foldaway footplate assemblies, wheel brake systems, caster wheel systems, suspension support systems, control button assemblies, and center of gravity adjustment assemblies, which enhance user positioning, support, and mobility device portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If gait trainers use fixed support structures, then structural stability is improved, but user comfort and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support structures are designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The lateral supports can be repositioned along the frame, and the height of support elements can be modified to adapt to different user anatomies and mobility needs, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and user adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is divided into multiple independent adjustable components rather than a single fixed structure. Each segment can be independently positioned and configured to provide optimal support for different body regions, enabling both stability and adaptability
2Stability of the object's composition
If gait trainers use integrated accessory systems, then structural stability is improved, but ease of connection and disconnection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Accessory systems are designed as separate, modular components that can be independently attached and detached from the main gait trainer frame. This segmentation allows accessories to be easily connected and disconnected while maintaining structural stability when attached
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanisms for accessories incorporate dynamic elements such as quick-release latches or adjustable couplings that enable easy attachment and detachment while maintaining secure, stable connections during use
3Reliability
If gait trainers use fixed wheel systems, then braking reliability is improved, but mobility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel system incorporates adjustable braking mechanisms that can be dynamically configured based on terrain and user needs. The brake engagement force and wheel positioning can be modified to maintain reliable braking across different operating conditions while preserving mobility flexibility
4Manufacturing precision
If gait trainers use rigid frame structures, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of storage and transportation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure incorporates collapsible or foldable elements that allow the rigid, precision-manufactured components to be reconfigured into a compact form for storage and transportation, while maintaining structural integrity and manufacturing precision during normal use
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are various improvements to mobility devices. These improvements include, for example, adjustable lateral body supports, multi axial supports for accommodating movement of the pelvis during walking, frame folding assemblies for accommodating storage and transportation, detachable support couplings for supportive accessories, foldaway footplate assemblies for allowing users to rest, wheel brake systems, caster wheel systems, suspension support systems, control button assemblies, and center of gravity adjustment assemblies. One or more these improvements can be combined into various mobility devices as will be described in more detail hereinafter.