Removable Limb-Support Assembly for Crutch Elevation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users of assistive devices, such as crutches and walkers, often experience discomfort due to the inability to elevate their lower limbs while using these devices, as removing the device to sit and elevate the limb is inconvenient or not possible, leading to prolonged discomfort and potential health issues like blood pooling.
Innovation Solution
A limb-support assembly that is removably coupleable to assistive devices, allowing users to elevate their lower limbs while using the device, and can also function as a portable seat or platform, providing adjustable positioning and comfort through a weight-bearing member and mounting assembly that securely attaches to the assistive device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the assistive device is used continuously without removal, then mobility support is maintained, but the user cannot elevate their lower limb causing discomfort and health issues
Solution Approach 1:
The assistive device is segmented into a main body and a removable limb-support assembly. The limb-support assembly can be detached when not needed for limb elevation, while the main body remains attached to the assistive device for continuous mobility support. This segmentation allows the user to access limb elevation functionality without compromising the reliability of continuous mobility support.
Solution Approach 2:
The limb-support assembly is designed with dynamic adjustability, including adjustable positioning mechanisms and removable components. This allows the assembly to transition between attached and detached states, and between different positioning configurations, enabling the user to adapt the device to different needs while maintaining reliable mobility support when the assembly is removed.
2Ease of operation
If the limb-support assembly is made removable and adjustable, then ease of operation and comfort are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is segmented into multiple components including a mounting bracket, fastening mechanism, and positioning elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while simplifying the overall assembly and disassembly process, reducing the perceived complexity despite the adjustable and removable nature of the limb-support assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly is designed with universal features that allow it to accommodate different assistive device types and configurations. The same mounting assembly can be used with various models of crutches or walkers, reducing the need for multiple specialized components and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining ease of operation and adjustability.
Data Source
AI summary
A limb-support assembly for use with an assistive device includes a weight-bearing member having a first edge. The weight-bearing member includes a planar receiving surface configured for receiving a user's lower limb. A mounting assembly is configured for removably coupling the weight-bearing member to an assistive device. The mounting assembly includes a first mounting brace extending outwardly from the first edge of the weight-bearing member and above the receiving surface. A mounting aperture is defined in the weight-bearing member between the first mounting brace and the receiving surface. The mounting aperture is configured for receiving a portion of the assistive device. When a portion of the assistive device is received by the mounting aperture, and when weight is placed on the receiving surface, the first mounting brace is configured to press against an opposing side of the assistive device from the receiving surface.