Mobility systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobility devices, such as gait trainers, face challenges in user positioning, support, freedom of movement, ease of accessory connection and disconnection, gait trainer movement, braking, and locking, which affect their effectiveness and usability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of adjustable lateral supports, multi-axial supports, frame folding assemblies, detachable accessory couplings, foldaway footplate assemblies, wheel brake systems, caster wheel systems, suspension support systems, control button assemblies, and center of gravity adjustment assemblies to enhance user positioning, support, and mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adjustable lateral supports and multi-axial supports are incorporated, then user positioning and support are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into multiple independent adjustable components including lateral supports with height adjustment mechanisms and multi-axial supports with separate adjustment for each axis. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while providing comprehensive user positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The supports incorporate dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow users to modify the position and configuration of lateral and multi-axial supports according to their needs. This dynamic adaptability improves user positioning without requiring a completely rigid complex structure.
2Ease of operation
If detachable accessory couplings are used, then ease of accessory connection and disconnection is improved, but reliability of connection may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanisms are pre-configured with alignment features and guide structures that ensure proper positioning before connection. This preliminary preparation allows for quick attachment while maintaining connection reliability through pre-established geometric constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
Detachable coupling components act as intermediaries between accessories and the main device structure. These couplings incorporate locking mechanisms and secure attachment features that maintain reliable connections while enabling easy detachment when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frame folding assemblies are incorporated, then ease of storage and transportation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame incorporates dynamic folding mechanisms that allow the structure to transition between extended and compact configurations. Hinged joints and pivot points enable the frame to fold along predetermined axes, providing storage capability without requiring complete disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding assembly allows frame sections to nest within each other when collapsed, maximizing compactness for storage and transportation. This nesting arrangement reduces the overall volume significantly while maintaining structural integrity when deployed.
4Reliability
If wheel brake systems and locking mechanisms are added, then maneuverability and stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Brake and locking functions are extracted as separate, dedicated mechanisms rather than being integrated into the main frame structure. This extraction allows each braking and locking component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system incorporates self-actuating features where the braking action is automatically applied when the wheel encounters resistance or when specific conditions are met. This self-service capability provides stability without requiring constant user intervention or complex control systems.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~1D
AI summary
Described herein are various improvements to mobility devices. These improvements include, for example, adjustable lateral body supports, multi axial supports for accommodating movement of the pelvis during walking, frame folding assemblies for accommodating storage and transportation, detachable support couplings for supportive accessories, foldaway footplate assemblies for allowing users to rest, wheel brake systems, caster wheel systems, suspension support systems, control button assemblies, and center of gravity adjustment assemblies. One or more these improvements can be combined into various mobility devices as will be described in more detail hereinafter.