Walker Backrest Segmented Straps Vision and Foldability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional walkers with backrests are either uncomfortable for users with mobility issues due to single band designs or bulky, hindering foldability and vision, especially for users with visual impairments.
Innovation Solution
A walker apparatus with a pair of spaced-apart, upright frame members and a cantilevered backrest featuring a pair of spaced-apart straps, allowing for adjustable extension and a horizontally-split design to enhance comfort and maintain foldability while providing unobstructed vision through an aperture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single band backrest is used, then the walker is light weight and has fewer parts, but it is relatively uncomfortable for the user's back
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is divided into multiple horizontal straps (first backrest strap, second backrest strap, and optionally third and fourth straps) instead of a single band. This segmentation provides enhanced back support and comfort while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that does not significantly increase device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a large backrest is used, then more back support is provided, but it may be bulky and hamper the user's ability to fold the walker
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest straps are designed to be flexible and capable of bending, allowing them to conform to the user's back dynamically while also enabling the walker to be folded compactly. The straps can flex during use and during folding operations, providing both support and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest is constructed using flexible strap elements rather than rigid panels. These thin, flexible straps provide necessary back support while occupying minimal space when the walker is folded, avoiding the bulkiness associated with traditional large backrests.
3Ease of operation
If a large backrest is used, then more back support is provided, but it may inhibit the user's ability to see past the walker
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is segmented into multiple spaced-apart horizontal straps rather than a solid continuous panel. This segmentation creates gaps between the straps that allow users to see past the walker, improving the field of vision while still providing adequate back support through the distributed strap structure.
4Ease of operation
If the backrest is made with multiple straps, then comfort is improved, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple backrest straps are designed to serve both as structural support elements and as the complete backrest assembly itself. The straps perform multiple functions: providing back support, allowing folding, and enabling visibility through gaps, thereby achieving comfort without proportionally increasing the number of separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a walker apparatus having a pair of spaced-apart, upright frame members. The walker apparatus includes a seat operatively connected to the upright frame members. The walker apparatus has a backrest cantilevered from the frame members. The backrest has at least one opening extending therethrough for permitting a user's vision past the backrest when the user grips the upright frame members.