Pelvis Support and Knee Fixation for Standing Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stand-assist devices for caregivers face challenges such as heavy burden on caregivers, risk of fracture and instability in care-receivers due to concentrated pressure, and lack of versatility and structural flexibility, particularly for care-receivers with different leg sizes and in slippery conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a seat unit with integrated pulling bands and a knee-fixing unit, where the pulling bands are attached to provide support from the low back to the thighs, and the knee-fixing unit prevents bending at the knees, allowing caregivers to assist care-receivers in standing and transferring by shifting their center of gravity effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pulling bands are used to assist standing, then the care-receiver can be pulled up to standing position, but the caregiver bears heavy burden and the care-receiver faces risk of fracture due to concentrated pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the support function into multiple segments: a pelvis support portion that wraps around the pelvis and buttocks, and separate pulling bands attached to it. This segmentation distributes the care-receiver's weight across a larger surface area of the pelvis support rather than concentrating it at single pressure points, reducing the risk of fracture while maintaining effective pulling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pelvis support portion extends in multiple dimensions to create a distributed support surface. By wrapping around the pelvis and buttocks in a three-dimensional configuration, the device transforms the concentrated linear pull of traditional bands into a distributed areal support system, reducing pressure concentration while maintaining lifting effectiveness.
2Weight of moving object
If narrow supporting bands are used, then the device is lightweight and portable, but the care-receiver experiences concentrated pressure and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the support function into a lightweight pelvis support portion and attached pulling bands. The pelvis support portion uses breathable mesh material that provides large surface area contact without adding excessive weight, distributing the care-receiver's weight across multiple points to enhance stability while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pelvis support portion is constructed from breathable mesh material that forms a flexible yet supportive structure. This thin film material provides large surface area contact for stability and weight distribution while remaining lightweight and portable, resolving the contradiction between device weight and care-receiver stability.
3Ease of operation
If pulling bands are attached at hip level, then the pulling-up motion is effective, but the device lacks versatility for care-receivers with different leg sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The pulling bands are designed with adjustable length and positioning capabilities, allowing the device to adapt dynamically to care-receivers with different leg sizes and body proportions. The bands can be positioned at optimal heights for effective pulling while accommodating variations in user anatomy, maintaining both pulling effectiveness and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable features that allow it to serve multiple body types and sizes effectively. The pulling bands and pelvis support portion can be configured to accommodate different leg sizes, thigh circumferences, and body proportions, making the device universally applicable while maintaining effective pulling-up motion for diverse users.
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 4~7(b)
AI summary
The present invention assists a seated person to stand up and facilitates the transfer of the person from a bed to a wheel chair, or from the wheel chair to a chair, a shower chair or a lift. The assistive tool is compact and easy to carry, requires less time and labor to wear, and allows assistance to be provided even to a care recipient who cannot keep standing. Provided is an assistive tool for transfer assistance, standing assistance, etc. that comprises a traction band, a hip holding part, and a knee fixation part in order to allow a care recipient to be easily raised by weight shift. The traction band is attached to a cushion, pants, or trousers serving as the hip holding part, and at least at the time of usage, the knee fixation part is used together. When a care giver pushes his/her knee against the knee fixation part while gripping the traction band and shifts his/her weight backwards, the care recipient can be easily lifted using the principle of leverage, and the knee fixation part allows a person who cannot keep standing to be stably raised and also allows a change of direction or transfer to be made.