Motorised Walker with Sensor-Integrated Electronic Handles for Autonomous Standing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motorized walkers do not provide adequate assistance for users to transition from a sitting position to a standing position independently, often requiring external help and causing musculoskeletal disorders in caregivers due to the need for manual assistance.
Innovation Solution
A motorized walker with verticalization ramps and electronic handles equipped with sensors and motors, allowing users to control their movement intuitively by measuring force components and generating control instructions for verticalization and movement motors, enabling autonomous standing and movement without relying on caregivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motorized walker is designed to facilitate sit-to-stand transfers, then user autonomy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sit-to-stand assistance function with the existing walker structure by integrating verticalization ramps and electronic handles into the walker framework. The motorized components are merged with the handling mechanism, allowing the same device to provide both walking support and standing assistance without requiring separate equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The walker is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a walking aid and a sit-to-stand assistance device. The electronic handles can detect user intentions and trigger motorized movements to facilitate standing, while the walker continues to provide stability during movement, making it a multi-functional device for different user needs.
2Reliability
If manual assistance is provided by caregivers for sit-to-stand transfers, then user support is ensured, but caregiver musculoskeletal disorders increase
Solution Approach 1:
The walker is equipped with sensors and motors that enable it to autonomously detect when a user needs assistance standing up and provide the support automatically. The electronic handles sense user weight and position, triggering the motorized verticalization mechanism without requiring caregiver intervention, thus the device serves itself rather than requiring human assistance for the transfer.
3Ease of operation
If simple walking frames are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but they cannot facilitate sit-to-stand transfers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical assistance with an automated motorized system. Instead of requiring caregivers to physically lift or push the user, the motorized walker uses electric motors to drive the verticalization ramps, automatically providing the mechanical force needed for sit-to-stand transfers while maintaining the simplicity of the walking frame operation.
4Extent of automation
If additional standing aid devices are added to the walker, then transfer assistance is improved, but device complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The standing aid functionality is merged directly into the walker structure. The verticalization ramps and electronic handles are integrated as permanent components of the walker, eliminating the need for separate standing aid devices. This consolidation reduces the total number of devices required while maintaining comprehensive transfer assistance capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a motorised walker (1) comprising a frame (10) having a front portion (10a) and a rear portion (10b), a pair of wheels (11), a wheel arranged to support the front portion of the frame, one of the wheels being coupled to a travelling motor (20), the motorised walker (1) being characterised in that: - the frame (10) is provided with two handrails (100) having a longitudinal axis forming an angle, with an axis perpendicular to the ground, of between 20° and 40°, each handrail being associated with a translatably movable electronic handle (200), - it comprises at least one lifting motor (30) arranged so as to move the electronic handles (200), and - at least one of the electronic handles (200) comprises one or more sensors coupled to a control module (40) configured to control the lifting motor (30) and the travelling motor (20).