Rolling Walking Device with Tilt-In-Space Support for Hip Flexion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking aids are inadequate for patients with musculoskeletal disabilities, particularly those with hip joint issues, as they require an upright posture, are difficult to use, and insufficiently support balance and therapy, especially on uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A rolling walking device with adjustable and deformable support apparatus that allows patients to sit and flex their hip joint, featuring tiltable and adjustable components to enhance muscle training and balance, along with larger rollers for improved mobility over obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the patient is fixed to the walking aid, then the patient can be supported and assisted in walking, but the patient becomes dependent on another person to assist in getting into the walking aid and the fixation process is complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus is designed with adjustable components including height-adjustable armrests, adjustable footrests, and a tilt-in-space capability that allows the backrest and seat to tilt together. These dynamic adjustments enable the apparatus to adapt to different patient positions and needs, facilitating easy entry and exit while maintaining secure support during walking therapy.
2Reliability
If the patient is fixed in an upright body posture, then the walking aid can provide support, but the patient is forced into an unnatural and uncomfortable or even painful body posture that is not conducive to achieving the therapy goal
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt-in-space mechanism allows the backrest and seat to tilt together as a unit, enabling the patient to achieve a more natural, relaxed posture that accommodates hip flexion and other musculoskeletal limitations. This dynamic positioning capability maintains therapeutic support while allowing comfortable, natural postures that facilitate better engagement in therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus provides multiple adjustable parameters including backrest angle, seat angle, armrest height, and footrest position. These parameter adjustments enable customization of the support configuration to match the patient's specific anatomical requirements and therapy goals, allowing natural posture maintenance while receiving adequate support.
3Volume of moving object
If small rollers are used in the walking aid, then the device can be compact, but small obstacles such as doorsteps become insurmountable for the patient during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The walking aid incorporates suspension elements that dynamically adjust to terrain variations and obstacle heights. This suspension system allows the apparatus to adapt to uneven surfaces and overcome obstacles like doorsteps while maintaining patient comfort and stability, effectively compensating for the compact roller design.
Data Source
AI summary
A rolling walking device for a person with a disability includes a plurality of rollers and at least one support apparatus for the person. The at least one support apparatus is configured so that the person while using the rolling walking device can sit on the at least one support apparatus and simultaneously rest with a front side of their upper body at least partially on the at least one support apparatus with their hip joint flexed.