One-Handed Medical Walker with Segmented Wheel Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional walking assist devices require two hands to operate, making them inaccessible to individuals with severe muscle, joint, or nervous system conditions who cannot manage both hands.
Innovation Solution
A walker design that allows single-handed operation, featuring an upper bar with a grip element, rear and side wheel structures, and a front wheel structure, all connected by various bars and extensions, enabling stability and mobility with minimal hand function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a traditional walker with wheels is used, then stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because two hands are required to operate it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hand operation requirement from the traditional two-handed walker by providing a one-handed operating mechanism. The grip element on the upper bar allows the user to operate the walker with only one hand, while the other hand remains free for other tasks or support.
Solution Approach 2:
The walker incorporates dynamic elements including wheels at the rear and front, and a collapsible structure that allows the device to be adjusted between extended and collapsed states. This enables the walker to adapt to different walking phases and user needs while maintaining stability with one-handed operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a more complex walking assist device is used, then stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for users without enough hand functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The walker is divided into distinct functional segments: an upper portion with a grip element for one-handed operation, a middle portion with vertical bars and wheel structures for stability, and a lower portion with additional support elements. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, simplifying operation while maintaining overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip element acts as an intermediary between the user's hand and the walker's control mechanisms. It provides a simplified interface that translates minimal hand movement into effective walker operation, bridging the gap between limited user capability and device complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a walker requiring two hands is used, then stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates for users with severe conditions affecting muscle, joint, and nervous system
Solution Approach 1:
The walker is designed with multi-functional capabilities: the upper bar with grip element provides one-handed control, the wheel structures provide mobility and stability, and the collapsible structure allows for storage and transport. This universality enables the device to serve users with varying degrees of hand functionality while maintaining its stabilizing function.
Data Source
AI summary
Medical walker devices and methods of using the same. The present disclosure includes disclosure of a walker, comprising an upper bar defining a first upper bar end and a second upper bar end, a grip element defined within the upper bar or formed as part thereof, a relative rear end comprising a rear base portion and a rear base bar, a rear vertical bar coupled to the rear base bar and to the upper bar, a first side wheel structure having a first side wheel bar and one or more first side wheels or castors, and a second side wheel structure having a second side wheel bar and one or more second side wheels or castors; and a front wheel structure comprising one or more front wheels or castors.