Integrating Reaching Apparatus with Mobility Device Sheath
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobility aids do not effectively provide simultaneous stability and reaching assistance for individuals with mobility impairments, requiring users to relinquish support to access reaching aids, which can be cumbersome and require excessive dexterity or force.
Innovation Solution
A stability assistance system that integrates a reaching apparatus with mobility devices via a sheath, allowing users to couple and uncouple the reaching apparatus while maintaining mobility support, featuring a flexible or semi-flexible shaft, gripping components, and a deployment mechanism for easy access and use without interrupting stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional reaching aids are used with conventional mobility aids, then reaching functionality is provided, but the user must put aside the mobility device to operate the reaching aid, resulting in loss of stability support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a reaching aid with a mobility device into a single integrated unit. The reaching aid is coupled to the mobility device such that it can be used while maintaining support on the mobility device, eliminating the need to put aside the mobility device for reaching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobility device is designed to serve multiple functions: providing stability support during mobility and enabling reaching operations. The integrated design allows the same device to fulfill both mobility assistance and reaching assistance roles simultaneously or sequentially without requiring separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional reaching aids are used, then reaching assistance is provided, but excessive dexterity or force is required to access and manipulate the reaching aid
Solution Approach 1:
The reaching aid is designed with self-contained operation mechanisms that minimize the dexterity and force required by the user. The system includes features such as easy-to-activate triggers, ergonomic handles, and intuitive controls that allow users with limited hand strength or dexterity to operate the reaching function effectively.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a reaching aid is integrated with a mobility device, then concurrent stability and reaching assistance is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device is designed as a segmented system where the reaching aid can be independently coupled to or decoupled from the mobility device. This modular approach allows the components to be manufactured and assembled separately, then combined through simple coupling mechanisms, reducing overall complexity while maintaining functionality.
4Ease of operation
If the reaching aid is made easily accessible, then ease of operation is improved, but the mobility device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The reaching aid is positioned within or adjacent to the mobility device structure, utilizing the existing spatial arrangement. The reaching aid can be accessed by the user while the mobility device is being used, with coupling mechanisms that integrate smoothly into the existing device architecture without requiring major structural modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and systems are provided that comprise a reaching apparatus removably coupled with a mobility device such that an individual can couple, uncouple, and/or use the reaching apparatus while concurrently using the mobility device for stability and/or mobility assistance. Related devices, systems, and kits further comprise a sheath for coupling with a mobility device using one or more attachment means, the sheath configured to slidably receive at least part of the reaching apparatus therein. Furthermore, methods for using such devices and systems are provided, providing both retrofit options and otherwise.