Removable Reaching Apparatus for Mobility Aids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobility aids do not effectively provide concurrent stability and reaching assistance, requiring users to put aside their mobility device to access reaching aids, which can be cumbersome and difficult for individuals with limited dexterity or mobility.
Innovation Solution
A reaching apparatus is removably coupled with mobility devices like canes, crutches, or walkers, allowing users to access and use the reaching aid while maintaining stability, featuring a sheath for secure attachment and a deployment mechanism for easy grip and release of objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional reaching aids are used separately from mobility devices, then reaching functionality is provided, but the user must put aside the mobility device to operate the reaching aid, losing stability support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a reaching device with a mobility device into a single integrated system. The reaching device is coupled to the mobility device frame, allowing users to access reaching functionality while maintaining stability support from the mobility device without needing to put it aside.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device serves multiple functions: it provides both mobility support through the mobility device and reaching assistance through the reaching device. This multi-functionality allows a single device to address both stability and reaching needs of users with mobility impairments.
2Ease of operation
If conventional reaching aids require putting aside the mobility device, then reaching assistance is accessible, but ease of operation deteriorates for individuals with limited dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the reaching device with the mobility device, the system eliminates the need for users to put aside the mobility device to access reaching assistance. The reaching device is positioned on the mobility device frame within easy reach, simplifying the operation procedure for users with limited dexterity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reaching aids are integrated with mobility devices, then concurrent stability and reaching assistance is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device is designed as separable components: the reaching device can be coupled to or uncoupled from the mobility device. This segmentation allows the system to provide concurrent stability and reaching assistance when needed, while reducing structural complexity when the reaching function is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaching device is designed to be dynamically coupled and uncoupled from the mobility device based on user needs. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between providing full functionality (stability + reaching) and simplified structure (stability only), reducing overall device complexity.
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 and systems further comprise a sheath coupled with the mobility device, the sheath configured to slidably receive at least part of the reaching apparatus therein. Furthermore, methods for manufacturing such devices and systems are provided, providing both retrofit options as well as methods for manufacturing specific mobility and/or stability devices comprising the reaching apparatus hereof.