Hands-Free Mobility Frame With Harness Weight Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobility assistance devices, such as crutches and wheelchairs, cause significant pain and discomfort by requiring users to distribute body weight through their arms, limiting their ability to stand or walk for extended periods, which can lead to health deterioration due to prolonged sitting.
Innovation Solution
A mobility assistance apparatus with first and second frames positioned on either side of the user, a hinge arm mechanism, and a harness or walking seat that transfers body weight from the legs to the frames, allowing users to stand or walk without relying on their arms for support, featuring adjustable height, motorized wheels, and a belt for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional mobility assistance devices (crutches and walkers) are used, then the individual can move about, but the individual's arms are not free to use for other purposes and significant pain and discomfort occur due to weight distribution through arms and shoulders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobility device with a frame and support structure that acts as an intermediary between the user's body weight and the ground. The device includes a harness or seat that transfers weight from the user's legs and arms to the frame, which then transmits the weight to the ground through wheels or feet, freeing the arms while eliminating direct stress on joints
Solution Approach 2:
The mobility device is divided into separate functional components: a frame structure, weight transfer mechanism (harness or seat), support elements (wheels or feet), and control systems. This segmentation allows the weight-bearing function to be separated from the propulsion function, enabling arm freedom while maintaining mobility
2Ease of operation
If conventional mobility assistance devices require alternating weight distribution between legs and arms, then the individual can walk, but stresses are placed on ankle, knee, hip, wrist, elbow and shoulder joints limiting ability to use without significant pain
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces a frame and support structure as an intermediary that assumes the load-bearing function. The harness or seat transfers body weight to the frame, which then transmits it to the ground through wheels or feet, eliminating direct stress transmission through the user's joints while maintaining the ability to move
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the biological mechanical system (joints and muscles bearing weight) with a mechanical system (frame, wheels, and support structure). The device's mechanical components absorb and transmit the forces that would otherwise stress the user's joints, allowing movement without joint stress
3Ease of operation
If individuals use wheelchairs for mobility, then they can move about, but remaining in a seated position for extended periods is detrimental to health, negatively affecting digestive, cardio-vascular, and respiratory systems
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility device enables dynamic movement and posture changes rather than static seated positioning. The device supports standing, walking, and transitioning between positions, allowing the user to change posture and remain active, which prevents the health deterioration associated with prolonged sitting while maintaining full mobility capability
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 harness 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 walk for an extended period without requiring the user's arms to hold the frame.