Walker Alert Device Using GPS Proximity Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of walkers often fail to utilize the device properly, leading to increased risk of falls due to moving away without support, as existing technologies do not effectively alert users to maintain proximity to the walker.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a walker module and a user module in wireless communication, utilizing GPS technology and proximity sensors to generate human perceptible alerts when the user moves beyond a predetermined distance from the walker, with the user module being wearable and the walker module attachable to the walker, ensuring the user is reminded to use the walker for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a walker is used to provide stability and support, then user safety and balance are improved, but users may move away from the walker without realizing the risk, leading to fall injuries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser safetyVSAvoidfall risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the distance between the user and walker using GPS technology and provides real-time feedback through alerts when the user moves beyond a predetermined distance threshold, enabling users to maintain safe proximity to the walker

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical monitoring methods with electronic GPS-based distance measurement and wireless communication systems to detect and alert when users move away from the walker, eliminating the need for physical contact or manual monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If existing alert devices are used to notify users of separation, then user awareness is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser awarenessVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a smartphone application that serves multiple functions: GPS distance monitoring, alert generation, and user interface provision, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware components and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The smartphone acts as an intermediary device that handles complex processing, communication, and user interface functions, allowing the walker system itself to remain simple while providing sophisticated monitoring and alert capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Effectively alerts users to maintain proximity to the walker, reducing the risk of falls by providing timely and perceptible reminders to return to the device when moving away, thereby enhancing user safety and adherence to using the walker for support.

Implementation Method 1

The device comprises a first GPS receiver (130) located in the walker module (100) for determining a physical location of the walker module (100)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGPS satellite signal reception:

Implementation Method 2

In another embodiment, the device comprises a proximity sensor having a first component (140) located in the walker module (100) and a second component (240) located in the user module (200)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProximity sensing:

Implementation Method 3

In another embodiment, the user module (200) comprises a motion detector for determining whether the user (10) has moved from a sitting or prone position to a standing position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotion detection:

Data Source

PatentUS10002511B2Walker alert device

Publication Date: 2018.06.19 CONDON HEATHER G

AI summary

A device to be used with a walker, with one component of the device attached to the walker and another component of the device worn by the user, whereby the device signals the user of the walker to use the walker by providing an alert whenever the user moves more than a predetermined distance from the walker, as determined by the distance between the two components of the device which wirelessly communicate with each other.