Modular Handle Ambulatory Support Device for User Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional walkers provide limited support and comfort for ambulatory users, often requiring additional assistance due to their design, which can lead to fatigue and discomfort, especially for users with osteoarthritis.
Innovation Solution
An ambulatory support device with an undercarriage that can transition between an expanded and retracted configuration, featuring modular handle structures with adjustable components to fit individual user needs, allowing for enhanced navigation and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional walkers are designed to be lightweight, then ease of operation is improved, but support and comfort are insufficient leading to user fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The walker is divided into modular components including removable handle structures with separate forearm support portions, allowing customization and adjustment to optimize both lightweight portability and adequate support for different user needs
Solution Approach 2:
The handle structures incorporate adjustable and removable components that allow dynamic adaptation to user requirements, enabling the device to provide varying levels of support while maintaining ease of operation through customizable configuration
2Device complexity
If conventional walkers provide basic support, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to individual user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The walker employs segmented modular handle structures that can be customized and reconfigured, providing adaptability to individual user needs while maintaining relatively simple device complexity through standardized modular components
Solution Approach 2:
The handle structures serve multiple functions including hand gripping, forearm support, and adjustable positioning, allowing a single device configuration to adapt to various user requirements without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An ambulatory support device comprises an undercarriage configured to travel along a floor surface and to present a pair of upper regions accessible by an ambulatory standing user. Each of the upper regions is configured to receive a respective one of a pair of modular handle structures and which is configured to be releasably coupled to a corresponding upper region. Each of the modular handle structures including a first handle portion, a second handle portion, and a forearm support portion. The first handle portion and the forearm support portion are configured for the ambulatory standing user to navigate the device in a first operative mode with the undercarriage traversing the floor surface. The second handle portion and the forearm support portion are configured for the ambulatory standing user to lift at least a portion of the undercarriage off the floor surface in a second operative mode.