Autonomous Robotic Walker Support for Fall Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high incidence of falls among geriatric and mobility-impaired individuals in healthcare settings, despite the use of walkers and physical therapy, remains a significant concern due to the shortage of physical therapists and the inefficacy of existing robotic solutions in preventing falls effectively.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous robotic mobile support system equipped with a mobile base vehicle, a robotic arm, LIDAR sensors, and onboard computing devices that can autonomously follow and support users by adjusting speed and direction to prevent falls, using padded end effectors for support in case of falls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical therapists are used to supervise and support mobility-impaired patients, then fall prevention effectiveness is improved, but the shortage of physical therapists limits the scale of implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system autonomously monitors the user's posture and movement, automatically activating support mechanisms without requiring continuous human supervision. The system self-adjusts based on sensor data from accelerometers, gyroscopes, and force sensors to provide timely assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical human supervision system with an automated robotic system equipped with sensors, processors, and actuators. The robotic arm and base vehicle substitute for physical therapist intervention, providing continuous monitoring and support through electronic control systems.
2Quantity of substance
If existing robotic solutions are used to provide support, then the shortage of physical therapists is addressed, but they are ineffective in preventing falls
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously receives feedback from multiple sensors including accelerometers, gyroscopes, and force sensors to monitor user posture and movement in real-time. The control system processes this feedback and dynamically adjusts robotic arm position and base vehicle movement to provide appropriate support.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system proactively positions itself and the robotic arm in anticipation of potential falls by continuously monitoring user stability. The system activates support mechanisms before a fall occurs, rather than reacting after loss of balance is detected.
3Reliability
If the robotic system autonomously follows and supports users, then fall prevention capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is divided into distinct functional modules: a mobile base vehicle with differential drive, a robotic arm with multiple degrees of freedom, sensor arrays, and control systems. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently analyzed or replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic base vehicle serves multiple functions: it follows the user, provides mobile support, and adjusts its position based on detected user needs. The robotic arm similarly provides both positioning and physical support functions, reducing the need for separate specialized components.
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 effectively reduces the risk of falls and provides support to mobility-impaired individuals by autonomously following and stabilizing users, addressing the shortage of physical therapists and the limitations of existing robotic solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a LIDAR sensor coupled to the robotic arm and configured to undertake distance measurements between the LIDAR sensor and defined points along a dorsum region of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a robotic mobile support system configured to autonomously follow a subject with impaired mobility from a close but safe distance behind the subject and react to movements of the subject's torso and upper body to provide dynamic support for the subject and stop the subject from falling. The system comprises a mobile base vehicle, a robotic arm installed on the mobile base vehicle, and a LIDAR sensor for detecting the distance to a subject and the direction/speed of the subject. The robotic arm comprises one or more adjustable rear and side soft supports configured to support the subject and stop the subject from falling. The system can also comprise an onboard computer configured to process LIDAR data to control the movement of the mobile base vehicle and the robotic arm to stop the subject from falling.