Robotic Walking Assistant With Expandable Wheelbase Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic walking assistants with fixed wheels and vertical bodies face stability issues when providing a seat and can be kicked by users with large strides, compromising their effectiveness in walking assistance and training.
Innovation Solution
A robotic walking assistant with a wheeled base featuring differentially driven wheel mechanisms and castor wheels, an adjustable elevation mechanism, and sensors for obstacle detection, allowing for enhanced stability and user adaptability through adjustable height and expanded support polygons, preventing users from kicking the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fixed wheels and vertical body are used in robotic walking assistant, then device simplicity is maintained, but stability is insufficient when providing a seat
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic walking assistant is divided into modular components: a base unit with wheels, a separate body unit with seat, and an connecting rod mechanism. This segmentation allows the stability-enhancing features (larger support polygon, adjustable geometry) to be implemented without unnecessarily complicating the entire device, as each module can be optimized independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements adjustable wheel mechanisms that can change their configuration between a compact arrangement for mobility and an expanded arrangement for stability when the seat is engaged. The connecting rod mechanism dynamically adjusts the geometric relationship between components based on whether the seat is occupied, providing stability only when needed rather than permanently increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed vertical body structure is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but users with large strides can kick the back of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical body structure incorporates adjustable elements including the connecting rod mechanism that can modify the rear profile and height of the device. When a user with a large stride approaches, the system can adjust the body configuration to prevent kicking, while maintaining a simpler fixed structure for standard users, thus balancing adaptability with manufacturing ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable parameters in the body structure such as variable height positioning and configurable rear profile geometry. These parameters can be modified based on user characteristics (stride length, height) to prevent kicking incidents, while the base structure remains relatively simple for straightforward manufacturing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable elevation mechanism is added, then adaptability to different user heights is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable elevation mechanism serves multiple functions: it adapts to different user heights, adjusts the seat position for comfort, and modifies the overall center of gravity for stability. By consolidating these functions into a single mechanism rather than separate systems, the patent reduces the overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevation mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable during operation, allowing the system to transition between different height configurations. This dynamic capability provides adaptability to various users without requiring multiple fixed-height devices, and the mechanism can be integrated into the existing structural framework to minimize additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic walking assistant includes a wheeled base having a base and one or more position adjustable wheels connected to the base, a body disposed in a vertical direction, positioned on the wheeled base and having a handle, and a control system that receives command instructions. Each of the one or more wheels is slidable with respect to the base between a retracted position and an extended position in a direction that is substantially parallel to a surface where the wheeled base moves. In response to the command instructions, the control system moves the one or more wheels between the retracted positions and the extended positions.