Automatic Walker Brake System Using Hand-Position Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of walkers face increased risks of falling during specific situations such as sitting, standing, or when the walker rolls unexpectedly, as existing walkers lack effective mechanisms to prevent unintended movement.
Innovation Solution
An automatic braking system integrated into the walker, comprising a brake actuator, hand-position sensor, distance sensor, and processor, which detects the user's orientation and movement to engage or disengage the brakes accordingly, preventing the walker from rolling during risky situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the brake is continuously engaged to prevent rolling, then safety is improved, but the walker cannot move when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system dynamically adjusts its state based on detected user orientation and movement conditions. The brake transitions between engaged and disengaged states according to real-time sensor data, allowing it to provide safety when needed while enabling mobility when the user is stable and oriented correctly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors user orientation and movement through sensors and adjusts brake engagement based on this feedback. When the user changes orientation or movement patterns indicate potential falling risk, the brake engages; when the user maintains safe orientation, the brake disengages, creating a closed-loop control system.
2Ease of operation
If the brake is continuously disengaged to allow movement, then mobility is improved, but the risk of unintended rolling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of user orientation and movement conditions before allowing brake disengagement. It anticipates potential rolling risks by monitoring orientation changes and movement patterns, engaging the brake proactively when dangerous conditions are detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors user orientation and movement through sensors and adjusts brake engagement based on this feedback. When the user changes orientation or movement patterns indicate potential falling risk, the brake engages; when the user maintains safe orientation, the brake disengages, creating a closed-loop control system.
3Device complexity
If manual brake operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the user may not respond quickly enough to prevent falls
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system automatically detects falling conditions through sensors monitoring user orientation and movement, and engages the brake without requiring user action. The system serves itself by autonomously monitoring its own state and responding to dangerous conditions, eliminating the need for manual user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors user orientation and movement through sensors and adjusts brake engagement based on this feedback. When the user changes orientation or movement patterns indicate potential falling risk, the brake engages; when the user maintains safe orientation, the brake disengages, creating a closed-loop control system.
4Reliability
If the walker is designed to be stable and prevent rolling, then safety is improved, but the walker cannot adapt to user movement and orientation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system dynamically adjusts its state based on detected user orientation and movement conditions. The brake transitions between engaged and disengaged states according to real-time sensor data, allowing it to provide stability when needed while adapting to user movement and orientation changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the brake based on detected user conditions. It monitors orientation and movement parameters, and adjusts brake engagement accordingly, allowing the system to adapt between stable and mobile states based on real-time user behavior.
Data Source
AI summary
A walker is disclosed. The walker includes a frame, a wheel, a brake selectively positionable in an engaged state, in which the brake resists wheel rotation, or a disengaged state, in which the brake does not resist wheel rotation, a brake actuator configured to place the brake in the engaged state or the disengaged state, a handle, a hand-position sensor configured to provide a first signal responsive to the handle being grasped in a walking grasp and to provide a second signal responsive to the handle being grasped in a standing/sitting grasp, and a processor configured to cause the brake actuator to place the brake in the disengaged state based at least in part on the first signal and to cause the brake actuator to place the brake in the engaged state based at least in part on the second signal. Related devices, systems, and methods are also disclosed.