Hybrid Hands-Free Crutch With Elastic Loading Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hands-free crutches and knee scooters have disadvantages such as increased loading rate on the injured leg, discomfort due to weight distribution on sensitive areas, and difficulty navigating uneven terrain or stairs.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid walking assist device that can transform into both hands-free crutch and knee scooter configurations, featuring a lower leg support, frame, foot member, and wheels, with an elastic member to reduce loading rate and adjustable components for improved comfort and terrain navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard axillary crutches are used, then ease of operation is improved, but pain in hands and armpits increases and irregular body movement causes pain in feet, knees, and hips
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows dynamic configuration switching between crutch mode and scooter mode, enabling the user to adapt the support mechanism to different terrain and activity requirements, thereby reducing pain and discomfort associated with static crutch use
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple functions in one system - it can operate as a hands-free crutch for short distances and as a knee scooter for longer distances or uneven terrain, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices and reducing overall user discomfort
2Use of energy by moving object
If knee scooters are used, then energy consumption is reduced and less contact is made with arms, but device size increases making maneuvering in small spaces difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device features dynamic reconfigurability where the frame and support components can be repositioned to transform from a compact crutch configuration for narrow spaces to an extended scooter configuration for efficient travel, allowing the user to optimize between size and energy efficiency based on immediate needs
3Ease of operation
If hands-free crutches are used, then hands are freed for other tasks and upper leg muscles are exercised, but loading rate on the injured leg increases causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates an elastic member that changes the mechanical parameters of the support system by providing progressive resistance and reducing the loading rate on the injured leg, while still maintaining hands-free operation and allowing upper leg muscle exercise
4Device complexity
If fixed configuration devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different terrains and usage scenarios is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic reconfigurable components including movable wheels, adjustable frame positions, and transformable support members that can be easily repositioned between crutch and scooter configurations, providing terrain adaptability without significantly increasing device complexity
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 reduces the loading rate on the injured leg, decreases discomfort by distributing weight to non-pressure sensitive areas, and enhances user convenience by allowing navigation of various terrains, thereby shortening recovery periods and reducing muscle atrophy and pain.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member to reduce the loading rate during operation of the device
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are embodiments for a walking assist device. The device may be capable of transformation into a knee scooter configuration and a hands-free crutch configuration for walking or standing while freeing the hands. The device may also include an elastic member for decreasing the load rate of the device.