Pelvic Weight-Transfer Mobility Frame for Hands-Free Walking
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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, as they require body weight to be supported by arms, leading to stress on joints and interfering with daily tasks, and often result in over-reliance on wheelchairs which can exacerbate health issues.
Innovation Solution
A mobility assistance apparatus with first and second frames positioned on the sides 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, featuring adjustable height, foldable design, and optional motorized wheels for assisted movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mobility devices (crutches, walkers) are used, then mobility assistance is provided, but joint stress increases and arm freedom is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a harness system as an intermediary between the user's body weight and the mobility device. The harness transfers weight from the legs and pelvis to the device frames, eliminating the need for arm support while reducing joint stress. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by providing mobility assistance without the harmful joint stress associated with conventional devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical support system (arms holding frames) with a harness-based weight transfer system. Instead of requiring arm strength and shoulder support, the device uses a harness coupled to frames that transfer body weight through the pelvis to the device, substituting the mechanical support mechanism to eliminate joint stress while maintaining mobility assistance.
2Reliability
If conventional mobility devices are used, then support is provided, but arm freedom for other tasks is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the arm support function from the mobility device system. By implementing a harness that transfers weight from the pelvis and legs to the device frames, the design removes the requirement for arm involvement in supporting body weight. This allows users to maintain full arm freedom for performing other tasks while still receiving necessary mobility support.
3Reliability
If wheelchairs are used for mobility, then mobility is enabled, but health deterioration occurs due to excess sitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic mobility system that allows users to transition between standing and moving positions. The device provides stability when standing still for health benefits while enabling movement when needed. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by allowing users to avoid excess sitting (unlike wheelchairs) while maintaining mobility capability, thus preventing health deterioration associated with prolonged sedentary behavior.
4Ease of operation
If device structure is made compact for transport, then portability improves, but structural complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mobility device into separable components including frames, harness elements, and wheeled assemblies that can be detached and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the device to be collapsed into a compact form for transport while maintaining structural integrity during use. The modular design resolves the contradiction by enabling portability through component separation rather than requiring complex folding mechanisms throughout the entire structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobility assistance apparatus includes first and second frames positioned on left and right sides of a user; a fixed arm coupled to the first and second frames; and a seat coupled to the frames with an angled surface mostly contacting the ischial tuberosities and adapted 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.