Pelvic Harness Walking Support for Reduced Joint Stress

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobility assistance devices, such as crutches and walkers, cause discomfort and limit the ability to stand comfortably and safely, especially for individuals with mobility challenges, leading to reliance on wheelchairs and health deterioration due to prolonged sitting.

Innovation Solution

A mobility assistance apparatus with first and second frames positioned on either side of the user, a hinge arm mechanism, and a harness or walking seat that transfers body weight from the legs to the frames, allowing standing or walking without requiring the user's arms for support, incorporating features like motorized wheels, FES, and adjustable height for comfort and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional mobility devices (crutches, walkers) are used, then mobility support is provided, but joint stress increases and comfort decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobility supportVSAvoidjoint stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical support system (crutches, walkers requiring arm support) with a harness-based system that transfers body weight through the pelvis to the device frame, eliminating stress on lower extremity joints while maintaining mobility support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The harness acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's body weight and the device frame, transferring load through the pelvis rather than directly through the legs, thereby reducing joint stress while providing necessary mobility support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional mobility devices are used, then mobility assistance is provided, but arm freedom is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobility assistanceVSAvoidarm freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the arm-based support mechanism of conventional devices with a harness-based weight transfer system, freeing the arms from support functions while maintaining mobility assistance through the pelvic harness and device frame

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If wheelchairs are used for mobility, then mobility is provided, but health deteriorates due to prolonged sitting

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemobilityVSAvoidhealth deterioration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic positioning between seated and standing postures through the adjustable harness and device frame, allowing users to stand upright when desired rather than being confined to a seated position, thereby preventing health deterioration from prolonged sitting while maintaining mobility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If standing support devices are designed for stability, then safety improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestanding stabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support for weight bearing, enabling mobility through wheel integration, and offering adjustable positioning capabilities, thereby achieving standing stability without proportionally increasing complexity through multi-functional design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9913773B2Mobility assistance device

Publication Date: 2018.03.13 CORE INGENUITY HLDG LLC

AI summary

A mobility assistance apparatus includes first and second frames positioned on left and right sides of a user; a hinge arm mechanism coupled to the first and second frames; and a harness or a walking seat coupled to the frames to transfer at least a portion of the user's body weight from the legs and to transfer weight through the user's hip or pelvis to the first and second frame enabling the user to stand and walk or work for an extended period without requiring the user's arms to hold the frame.