Knee Stair Climber Device for Lower Body Injury Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with lower body injuries face significant challenges and risks when ascending or descending stairs due to the lack of stable support and increased upper body strength requirements, with existing mobility aid devices being bulky, complex, and uncomfortable to use.
Innovation Solution
A portable, rectangular device that provides stable support for the lower leg, allowing users to ascend or descend stairs with reduced weight-bearing on the injured leg, featuring adjustable non-slip footings and a handle for easy maneuverability, constructed from lightweight materials like wood, plastic, or aluminum with cushioning for comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mobility aid devices (crutches, canes) are used to assist stair climbing, then upper body support is provided, but the devices require substantial upper body strength, full body coordination, and balancing ability while providing no support to the lower body
Solution Approach 1:
The stair climbing device acts as an intermediary between the user and the stairs, providing a mechanical platform that eliminates the need for complex coordination and balancing. The device includes a base portion that rests on one step and a top portion that rests on the next step, creating a stable intermediate platform that supports the user's lower body during stair transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the lower body support function from traditional upper-body-focused mobility aids. By providing a dedicated platform that supports the affected leg or foot, the device removes the burden of lower body stabilization from the user, allowing them to focus only on simple upper body lifting movements.
2Reliability
If existing stair climbing apparatuses are used, then some support is provided, but the devices are bulker, more complicated, and less comfortable to use
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional portions: a base portion with first and second ends, a top portion with third and fourth ends, and connection elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The base portion provides stability on the lower step, the top portion provides support on the upper step, and the connection elements link them together.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the device have different local qualities optimized for their specific functions. The base portion has a larger surface area for stability on the lower step, the top portion is designed for comfort and support on the upper step, and the connection elements are sized and shaped for easy manual manipulation. This local optimization achieves high reliability without requiring overall structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus designed to assist users in ascending or descending stairs. The system preferably includes an apparatus with a handle, a horizontal top surface, side walls, front and rear vertical surface, two horizontal bottom surfaces, and a vertical face between the horizontal bottom surfaces.