Walker Brake Training Mechanism for Safer Patient Transfers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing walker safety devices fail to prevent instability and train patients in proper transfer techniques during independent transfers, often leading to falls, as they are either integrated into new walkers or not adaptable to existing ones and lack functionality to reinforce safe techniques.

Innovation Solution

A safety training device attachable to existing front-wheeled walkers, featuring a modified ski unit with a braking mechanism, brake cable, and hose, which engages the braking mechanism upon improper force application, preventing wheel rotation and providing an audible alert to correct transfer techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a simple stop-device safety device is used to prevent walker movement, then walker stability is improved, but the device cannot train patients in proper transfer technique and requires manual engagement or pre-setting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewalker stabilityVSAvoidautomatic activation and training functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The safety device is pre-configured with sensors and mechanisms that automatically detect improper transfer techniques and activate the braking function before a fall occurs. The system performs preliminary detection and response, eliminating the need for manual engagement or pre-setting by the patient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device provides real-time feedback to patients through audible alerts and visual indicators when improper transfer techniques are detected. This feedback loop trains patients by immediately correcting their technique, while simultaneously activating the brake to prevent instability and falls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If safety devices are integrated into new walker designs, then safety functionality is improved, but patients must purchase completely new walkers and cannot install on existing walkers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety functionalityVSAvoidcompatibility with existing walkers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The safety device is divided into separate modular components that can be independently attached to existing walkers. The brake mechanism, sensors, and housing are discrete units that attach to the walker frame without requiring integration into the walker's core structure, enabling installation on any standard walker.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The safety device is designed with universal mounting interfaces that are compatible with various walker models and configurations. The attachment mechanisms can accommodate different walker frame types, making the device universally applicable to existing walkers regardless of manufacturer or model.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If patients attempt independent transfers without proper technique, then transfer independence is improved, but walker instability occurs and fall risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer independenceVSAvoidwalker stability during transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The safety device applies counter-action in advance by detecting improper transfer techniques through sensors and automatically activating the brake mechanism before walker instability can occur. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful effect of improper technique while allowing patients to attempt independent transfers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

The device effectively prevents walker and patient instability during improper transfers, while training patients to use proper techniques by engaging the braking mechanism and providing an audible feedback, thus reducing the risk of falls and improving transfer safety.

Implementation Method 1

a suspension member, and at least one compression coil. The braking mechanism may include a pivotable bracket structure, a wheel engagement member and a locking member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

upon an amount of force applied to the walker, the hinged sled member rotates and exerts a force on the suspension member and the compression member, which in turn actuates the brake cable and hose

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

the striking member emits an audible sound to indicate improper method was utilized

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact Force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS11464701B2Walker safety training device and method of use

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 TERRY BLAKE

AI summary

The present invention provides a safety training device capable of being attached to an existing front-wheeled walker. The safety training device a modified ski unit, a braking mechanism, a brake cable and hose. When improper transfer techniques are utilized by a patient, the modified ski unit engages the brake and cable hose to exert a force to the braking mechanism. The braking mechanism activates a braking member on the wheel of the walker, halting further movement of the patient and walker. Simultaneously, a striking member of the braking mechanism makes contact with the frame of the walker, producing an audible cue, alerting the patient and any healthcare professionals present that improper technique is being used in a transfer.