Retractable Slip-Resistant Surface for Mobility Aids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobility aids such as walkers and wheelchairs provide little to no assistance in preventing slipping on slippery surfaces, posing a significant risk of falls for users, especially in wet, icy, or snowy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A retractable slip-resistant surface attachment system that automatically positions a secure footing under the user's feet as they move forward, utilizing movable slip-resistant surfaces attached to support bars on the mobility aid, which retract when pressure is removed, ensuring continuous traction on uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional walker is used on slippery surfaces, then the walker structure remains simple and unchanged, but the user experiences poor traction and high fall risk
Solution Approach 1:
The slip-resistant surface is divided into multiple independent segments that can move and position themselves independently under each foot, allowing the system to adapt to slippery surfaces without requiring a complete redesign of the walker structure
Solution Approach 2:
The slip-resistant surfaces are made movable and adjustable, allowing them to dynamically position themselves under the user's feet as the walker moves forward, providing continuous traction while maintaining a relatively simple overall walker structure
2Reliability
If a slip-resistant attachment is added to the walker, then secure footing is provided on slippery surfaces, but the attachment must be removable and foldable for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is designed to dynamically transition between an extended operational state that provides secure footing and a retracted storage state that minimizes bulk, allowing easy attachment and detachment without complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The slip-resistant surfaces and attachment components are designed to nest within each other when not in use, allowing the attachment to be compactly stored on the walker frame while maintaining full functionality when deployed
3Manufacturing precision
If the slip-resistant surface is made retractable to accommodate user stride, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the retraction mechanism adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The slip-resistant surfaces are made dynamically adjustable in position, allowing them to move forward or backward to accommodate different user strides and walking speeds, improving positioning accuracy through simple mechanical adjustment rather than complex automated systems
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 system provides enhanced stability and secure footing for users on slippery surfaces, reducing the risk of falls and allowing for easy attachment and storage, accommodating various mobility aids without modifying them.
Implementation Method 1
The slip resistant surfaces are attached to a retraction means for selectively pulling the slip resistant surfaces towards the walker when the pressure of a user's foot is removed
Implementation Method 2
The cleats may be engaged with the ground when a user steps on the retractable slip resistant surface and disengaged with the ground when a user raises their foot
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment to a mobility aid, such as a walker, wheeled walker or rollator, or wheelchair that automatically positions a slip resistant surface under the foot of the user. The distance the slip resistant surface is from the mobility aid is adjustable to suit the user. A retractable slip resistant surface attachment is removably attached to sides of the mobility aid. A sliding channel bracket is slidably attached to an attachment panel permitting the sliding channel bracket to be adjusted longitudinally. A slide panel with slide members captured by the sliding channel bracket permits an attached slip resist surface to move freely back and forth with a retraction mechanism. Adjustable, secure footing is obtained on wet or slippery surfaces preventing falls.