Programmable Walking Aid with Gravitational Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current walking aid devices fail to provide tailored support for individuals with specific motor deficiencies and lack comfort, as they rely solely on arm force for support, which is unsatisfactory for real-world mobility and reeducation needs.
Innovation Solution
A programmable walking aid device with a support structure on wheels, equipped with gravitational force sensors and limb position measurement systems, allowing for differentiated support and adjustment of weight distribution between each leg, enabling precise control and quantification of support for each step.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rolling walker is used to enable real deambulation, then the individual can move around in space, but the support provided is insufficient for specific motor deficiencies and relies only on arm force
Solution Approach 1:
The device changes the support parameter from fixed (rolling walker) to programmable and adjustable (microprocessor-controlled actuator system). The support force can be modified according to the individual's motor deficiencies, allowing customization of assistance levels for different phases of the gait cycle and different individuals.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces the purely mechanical arm-force-based support of rolling walkers with an automated electromechanical system. Sensors detect gait phase and limb position, and an actuator system provides automated support forces, eliminating the need for the user to generate all support force through arm strength.
2Ease of operation
If support is provided only by the force of the arms, then the device structure is simple, but the usage comfort is unsatisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The device substitutes manual arm force with an automated electromechanical support system. Sensors (gravitational force sensors and position measurement systems) detect user state, and a microprocessor-controlled actuator provides automated support, replacing the need for user-generated mechanical force.
Solution Approach 2:
The device makes the support system self-regulating through feedback loops. Sensors continuously monitor gait phase and limb position, and the microprocessor automatically adjusts actuator output without user intervention, allowing the system to serve itself and the user simultaneously.
3Productivity
If gravitational support is reduced through programmable adjustment, then motor skill recovery is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables programmable adjustment of gravitational support parameters to optimize motor skill recovery. The microprocessor controls the actuator to provide differentiated support percentages for right and left bearings based on measured limb positions and gait phase, allowing customized rehabilitation protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The device implements feedback loops where sensors continuously measure gravitational force and limb position, the microprocessor processes this data to determine gait phase and appropriate support levels, and the actuator adjusts support in real-time. This closed-loop control enables adaptive gravitational reduction for motor skill recovery.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device facilitates real-world mobility by reducing gravity, providing global body support, and allowing for adaptive progression in motor skills, enhancing recovery and empowerment for individuals with musculoskeletal, neurological, or other pathologies, while preventing immobilization-related damages.
Implementation Method 1
a system of gravitational force sensors suitable for weighing the top element supporting the assisted individual
Data Source
AI summary
A walking aid supporting the weight of the body of an aided person. The walking aid being programmable and specialized according to each of the left and right bearings. The walking aid comprises a support structure mounted on wheels and includes a bottom element and a top element for supporting the person. The top element being rendered mobile relative to the bottom element along a vertical axis by a sliding system actuated by an actuator system. The aid comprises a system of gravitational-force sensors, which performs the weighing of the top element, and a system for measuring the position of the lower limbs of the person. The actuator system is controlled by the system of gravitational-force sensors, and is further controlled by a system for programming and managing support based on the measurement of the position of the lower limbs of the person.