Mechanical Self-Leveling Walker With Telescopic Struts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walkers are not designed to provide reliable support on uneven surfaces, such as stairs or inclines, due to their fixed leg length.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical self-leveling walker with adjustable leg lengths, achieved through telescopic struts and a mechanical linear actuator, allowing for dynamic height adjustments to maintain stability on uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing walkers with fixed leg lengths are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but they cannot provide reliable support on uneven surfaces such as stairs or inclines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static fixed leg length design into a dynamic adjustable leg length system. Each leg incorporates a telescopic mechanism with a strut that can extend or retract, allowing the walker to adapt its geometry to uneven surfaces. The mechanical linear actuator enables real-time adjustment of leg length, ensuring the walker maintains stability and provides reliable support whether on level ground, stairs, or inclines.
2Adaptability or versatility
If telescopic struts and mechanical linear actuators are added to enable leg length adjustment, then the walker can maintain stability on uneven surfaces, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing each leg into multiple adjustable segments rather than a single rigid structure. The telescopic strut divides the leg length into an adjustable inner portion and a fixed outer portion, allowing independent adjustment of each leg's effective length. This segmentation enables the walker to adapt to various terrain conditions while maintaining structural integrity through the modular design of the telescopic mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the leg length is made adjustable through telescopic mechanisms, then the walker can traverse stairs and inclines, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle through the telescopic mechanism where one structural element (the adjustable strut) is placed inside another (the leg tube). This nesting arrangement allows the adjustable component to be housed within the existing leg structure, minimizing additional space requirements and simplifying integration into the walker frame. The nested design enables manufacturability by using standard telescopic components that can be produced and assembled using conventional manufacturing processes.
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 self-leveling mechanism enables the walker to adjust leg lengths in real-time, providing enhanced stability and support on uneven surfaces, including stairs and inclines, thereby improving user safety and mobility.
Implementation Method 1
The rotating element includes an interface with a track on the respective strut relative to which the rotating element rotates, whereby rotational motion of the rotating element translates to corresponding linear motion of the strut
Data Source
AI summary
As an example, a walker includes a first leg pair, a second leg pair and a cross beam connecting the first and second leg pairs in a parallel, spaced apart relationship. Each leg pair includes a U-shaped tube defining a front leg and a rear leg. A front strut is telescopically movable within the front leg and extends outwardly therefrom. A rear strut is telescopically movable within the rear leg and extends outwardly therefrom. A mechanical linear actuator includes a rotating element adapted to rotate relative to at least one of the front leg or the rear leg. The rotating element includes an interface with a track on the respective strut relative to which the rotating element rotates, whereby rotational motion of the rotating element translates to corresponding linear motion of the strut.