Torso Bar Walker for Lower Body Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wheeled mobility aids often require excessive upper body management, leading to abnormal biomechanics, safety issues, and impaired gait rehabilitation due to the prevalent practice of using them by pushing with the upper extremities, which results in excessive weight bearing and flexed postures.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a torso bar into wheeled mobility devices allows users to advance the device via contact with a horizontal frame member, reducing upper body involvement and promoting lower body propulsive forces, thereby enhancing gait biomechanics and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manage wheeled mobility devices by pushing with upper extremities, then the device can be advanced, but excessive upper body weight bearing and abnormal biomechanics occur
Solution Approach 1:
A torso bar is introduced as an intermediary component between the user's torso and the device frame. The torso bar contacts the user's torso (anterior or lateral surfaces) and transfers propulsive forces from the lower body to advance the device, eliminating the need for excessive upper extremity pushing while maintaining device advancement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention shifts the force application from the upper extremities (traditional vertical pushing) to the torso region (horizontal propulsive forces). By positioning the torso bar to contact the anterior or lateral torso surfaces, the device enables force application in a different dimensional orientation that leverages lower body strength while preserving erect posture
2Force
If users bear weight through forearm supports, then upper body support is provided, but flexed posture and spinal dysfunction occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the weight-bearing function from the upper extremities and forearm supports. By introducing the torso bar that contacts the torso, the upper body support function is relocated to the trunk region, allowing forearm supports to be removed or used minimally while maintaining both support and erect posture
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having users push downward with upper extremities to advance the device (conventional approach), the torso bar enables users to push horizontally against the anterior or lateral torso surfaces. This inverted force direction allows device advancement through lower body propulsive forces rather than upper body weight bearing
3Ease of operation
If device is positioned forward relative to user, then upper body management is easier, but lower body function deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The torso bar serves as a mediator that couples the user's torso movement to device advancement. By positioning the torso bar on the frame at appropriate heights and configurations, the device responds to horizontal propulsive forces from the torso, enabling lower body function to drive device movement without requiring the device to be positioned forward for easier upper body management
Data Source
AI summary
A mobility aid includes two side frames, each configured for contact with a hand or forearm of associated user; an interconnecting frame member; two or more wheels; one or two adjustable torso bars attached to side frames, and each variably including a posterior member for maintaining consistent contact of torso with the anterior member. Flexed posturing and abnormal lower body biomechanics are common with use of wheeled walking aids managed by the upper body. Users typically excessively push down and forward to advance device. The novel body engaging member(s) enable the presented device to be advanced by torso contact as the user walks. Upper body weight bearing is thereby minimized. Propulsion is enhanced as user advances the pelvis against the torso bar(s). Posture is improved and safety is increased. A walker is provided for users requiring, or training to achieve, light upper body support.