Telescoping Armrest Coupling for Wheelchair and Walker Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional walkers and rollator walkers pose risks of falls for patients during rehabilitation, as they lack immediate support and require excessive steps to secure the device when falling, potentially injuring both the patient and caregivers.
Innovation Solution
A wheelchair attachment system with a telescoping extension member and armrest member that securely connects a wheelchair to a walker, allowing adjustable distance and minimizing the risk of falls by providing immediate seating and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional walker is used for patient rehabilitation, then the patient can practice walking to build strength, but the patient has no support when legs buckle and will fall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the walker and wheelchair into a single integrated system where the wheelchair is coupled to the walker frame. This merging allows the patient to have both walking practice capability and immediate seated support within one device, eliminating the fall risk when legs buckle during rehabilitation.
2Reliability
If a rollator walker is used for patient rehabilitation, then the patient can hold themselves up by pushing the walker, but the patient requires too many steps to lock breaks and turn around to sit when about to fall
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated walker-chair design eliminates the need for separate actions of locking breaks and turning around. The wheelchair is positioned directly behind the walker with a fixed gap, allowing the patient to simply lean back into the seat when losing balance, reducing the response time from multiple steps to a single motion.
3Ease of operation
If a caregiver pulls a wheelchair behind the patient while escorting on a walker, then the patient can be assisted, but the caregiver and patient are at risk of additional injury during falls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for the caregiver to manually pull a separate wheelchair by integrating the seating function directly to the walker frame. The fixed coupling ensures the wheelchair moves with the walker, providing continuous support without requiring the caregiver to perform risky manual maneuvers during patient falls.
4Ease of operation
If a wheelchair is coupled to a walker with a fixed gap, then the patient can easily sit in the wheelchair and rest when fatigued, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling apparatus is designed as a segmented system with modular components including a coupling mechanism with adjustable positioning, a support bar, and connection elements. This segmentation allows for easier assembly, adjustment of the fixed gap distance, and maintenance while providing the integrated walker-chair functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus using two telescoping armrest connecting a wheelchair to a walker for safely assisting a patient regaining their ability to walk. Physical therapists use the walker to train patients on walking to build strength, endurance, and balance. The telescoping armrest provide a fixed gap between the wheelchair and walker and keeps the wheelchair close to the patient. The patient can easily sit in the wheelchair, and the presence of the wheelchair minimizes the risk of falling, allows the patient to rest when fatigued, provides a sense of security, and eliminates a need for an assistance to push the wheelchair behind the patient.