Platform-Lift Walker Integrating Lifting Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
A significant portion of the population experiences mobility limitations due to bending or lifting issues, particularly those with chronic back pain or arthritis, for whom commercially available picker or grabber devices are often difficult to use or inadequate for lifting heavier objects, limiting their ability to perform everyday tasks.
Innovation Solution
The Platform-Lift Walker, a mobility aid device featuring a vertical driving platform that allows users to lift objects from the ground while standing, comprising a walker, a lifting mechanism, and a platform, designed to support ergonomic handling and movement, with features like wheel locking systems and a controller for safe and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If commercially available picker or grabber devices are used, then users can reach objects on the ground, but they cannot lift heavier objects and are difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a walker with a lifting mechanism and platform into an integrated system. The walker frame supports a motorized lifting mechanism that raises and lowers a platform, allowing users to simultaneously benefit from mobility assistance and object lifting capability in a single device
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves multiple functions: it acts as a walker for mobility support, a platform for placing objects, and a lifting mechanism for raising objects to waist height. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate picker devices while providing both ease of operation and lifting capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lifting mechanism is added to the walker, then objects can be lifted to waist height, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: a motor assembly, a lifting mechanism with pulleys and cables, a rotatable platform, and a control system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance and repair
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary between the user and the motorized lifting mechanism. The controller receives input from sensors and user controls, processes the information, and activates the appropriate motors, thereby simplifying the user interface while managing the complexity of the lifting system
3Ease of operation
If the platform is made rotatable, then objects can be easily placed and removed, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed to rotate automatically based on the direction of travel. When the walker moves forward, the platform rotates to face forward; when moving backward, it rotates to face backward. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for manual rotation controls while maintaining ease of object placement
Data Source
AI summary
The Platform-Lift Walker is a walker featuring a vertical driving platform that can lift objects from the ground while the user is standing. Similarly, the Platform-Lift Walker can lower objects to the ground while the user is standing. The Platform-Lift Walker offers users with balance or bending mobility issues an alternative to commercially available picker or grabber devices that are often difficult to use or unable to lift heavier objects. The Platform-Lift Walker includes a walker, a lifting mechanism, and a platform.