Mobility Device with Pivotally Attached Foot Plates and Cargo Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobility devices for transporting cargo are difficult for individuals with physical assistance needs to operate, as they require manual effort and lack efficient mechanisms for transitioning between cargo transport and walker modes, especially when handling interlocking cargo containers with displays.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function mobility device with pivotally attached foot plates and a base that supports interlocking cargo containers, allowing for transition between cargo transport and walker modes, featuring a power source for the containers' displays and authentication systems, enabling secure and efficient item transport with information access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional mobility devices are used for transporting cargo, then cargo transport capability is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates for individuals with physical assistance needs
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a walker for personal mobility, transform into a cargo transport mode for item delivery, and function as a shopping cart. The foot plates can be positioned in different configurations, and the base can support both the user's weight and cargo containers, making the device universal for various tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobility device incorporates dynamic transformation capabilities where the foot plates can be moved between different positions and configurations. The device transitions from a walker configuration to a cargo transport configuration through movable foot plates that can be repositioned, allowing adaptation to different operational modes as needed.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for cargo transport, then device simplicity is maintained, but force requirement increases for users with physical assistance needs
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility device is designed to assist users by reducing the physical force they need to exert. The motorized propulsion system and automated cargo handling features enable the device to perform tasks that would otherwise require significant user effort, allowing users with physical assistance needs to operate the device independently.
3Productivity
If cargo containers are stacked for efficient space utilization, then transport efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to interlocking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo transport system is divided into separate, modular cargo containers that can be individually handled and stacked. Each container is a discrete unit with standardized interlocking features, allowing them to be stacked vertically to form a tower structure. This segmentation enables efficient space utilization while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If foot plates are pivotally attached for mode transition, then adaptability is improved between cargo transport and walker modes, but reliability may deteriorate due to moving joints
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility device incorporates safety features that prepare for and mitigate potential failures of the pivotal joints. Sensors and control systems monitor the state of the foot plates and provide warnings or automatic corrections before a joint failure could occur, cushioning against the reliability risks of having movable joints necessary for mode transition.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein are directed to a mobility device. The mobility device includes a frame, a pair of foot plates, and a base. The frame has a pair of side rails. The pair of foot plates are pivotally attached to the pair of side rails. Each of the pair of foot plates have a transport surface. The base has an upper surface and an opposite lower surface. The lower surface of the base includes at least one receiving cavity that corresponds to a shape of the pair of foot plates. The base is positioned on the transport surface to receive the pair of foot plates within the at least one receiving cavity and is configured to receive a plurality of cargo containers on the upper surface.