Mobility Walker With Elastic Stabilizers for Tip Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobility devices, such as walkers, lack stabilization, are difficult to use, especially for users with low strength, and do not provide adequate support for normal gait, posture, or ease of access from sitting or standing positions, and struggle with uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A personal mobility system with integrated standing and sitting features, incorporating elastic stabilizer mechanisms, telescoping handles, and adjustable supports for stability and ease of use, designed to provide ergonomic support and prevent tipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional walker designs are used, then the device structure is simple, but the stability and support for users is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The walker is divided into multiple functional segments including front supports, rear supports, seat assembly, and hand grips positioned at different heights. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to overall stability while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vertical dimensionality by providing hand grips at multiple heights (upper and lower grips) and positioning supports at different elevations. This multi-level arrangement enhances stability by distributing user weight across multiple contact points while keeping the overall structure relatively simple
2Ease of operation
If walker handles are positioned at standard heights, then the structure is simple, but accessibility for seated users is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The handle system is segmented into upper hand grips and lower hand grips positioned at different vertical levels. This allows seated users to access the lower grips while standing users can use the upper grips, eliminating the need for complex adjustable mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The walker provides multiple hand grip positions at different heights, creating equipotential access points for users in different positions (seated or standing). This ensures that regardless of user position, appropriate support is within reachable distance without requiring complex adjustments
3Ease of operation
If walker supports are positioned far from user center of gravity, then structural stability is improved, but ease of use during gait is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different supports are positioned with different characteristics: front supports extend forward to provide stability during forward motion, while rear supports position the seat and upper grips to maintain balance. This localized optimization of support positions achieves both structural stability and ease of gait
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system offers enhanced stability, ease of use, and safety, allowing users to transition between sitting and standing positions while navigating various surfaces, minimizing injury risk and providing adaptable support for different user sizes and environments.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastic stabilizer mechanisms, wherein the plurality of elastic stabilizer mechanisms further comprises a plurality of elastic deformation components
Data Source
AI summary
A personal mobility system with multiple adjustments is presented. The personal mobility system may comprise one or more elastic stabilizer mechanisms. The adjustments may comprise a telescoping adjustment system for multiple handles, to adjust height and position of handles. The personal mobility system presents handles at a variety of positions, and of different types, to assist a user in moving from sitting to standing to walking, and to and from other positions, and presents a seat. The personal mobility system with elastic stabilizer mechanisms stabilizes the system against tipping over, improving user safety by reducing the occurrence of tips and falls. The elastic stabilizer mechanisms may be engaged by all handles and grip surfaces, or by a subset thereof, of the personal mobility system when a user begins to tip. The personal mobility system presents improvements in folding, convenience, and useability.