Mobility assistance device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobility assistance devices, such as crutches and walkers, cause discomfort and limit the ability to stand comfortably and safely, especially for individuals with mobility challenges, as they require body weight to be supported by arms, leading to stress on joints and potentially exacerbating health issues like joint problems and balance issues.
Innovation Solution
A mobility assistance apparatus with first and second frames positioned on the sides of the user, a hinge arm mechanism, and a harness or walking seat that transfers body weight from the legs to the frames, allowing standing or walking without requiring the user's arms for support, featuring adjustable height, foldable design, and optional motorized wheels for assisted movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mobility devices (crutches and walkers) are used to support body weight, then mobility assistance is provided, but stress on joints (ankle, knee, hip, wrist, elbow, shoulder) increases causing pain and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the weight-bearing function from the upper body (arms and shoulders) and relocates it to the lower body through the harness system. The harness transfers body weight through the pelvis and hips to the frames, removing the harmful stress from joints that would otherwise bear the full body weight during mobility assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The harness acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's body and the mobility device frames. It mediates the weight transfer by distributing the load through the pelvis and hips rather than directly transmitting stress to the upper body joints, thereby reducing harmful joint stress while providing necessary mobility support.
2Ease of operation
If arms are used to support body weight in conventional devices, then mobility is enabled, but arms are not free for other tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the support function from the arms and reassigns it to the lower body. By having the harness transfer weight through the pelvis and hips to the frames, the arms are freed from their traditional support role, making them available for other tasks while mobility is maintained through the new weight distribution mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If wheelchairs are used for mobility, then mobility is provided, but users cannot stand in an upright posture
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables users to support themselves in an upright standing posture through the harness system that transfers weight through the lower body. This self-supported upright position eliminates the need for wheelchair seating while maintaining mobility capability, allowing users to achieve both mobility and proper posture simultaneously.
4Shape
If body weight is concentrated on legs in conventional standing, then upright posture is maintained, but joint stress increases limiting extended standing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts excessive weight concentration from the legs by introducing the harness system that distributes body weight through the pelvis and hips to the frames. This redistribution allows users to maintain upright posture for extended periods without the harmful joint stress that would otherwise limit standing duration.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobility assistance apparatus includes first and second frames positioned on left and right sides of a user; a hinge arm mechanism coupled to the first and second frames; and a securing unit or a walking seat coupled to the frames to transfer at least a portion of the user's body weight from the legs and to transfer weight through the user's hip or pelvis to the first and second frame enabling the user to stand or work for an extended period without requiring the user's arms to hold the frame.