Walker Carrying Device with Support Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional walkers or walking aids do not allow users to carry large or multiple items while maintaining balance, as they require users to hold handles, limiting the ability to transport items like luggage, shopping bags, or coats.
Innovation Solution
A carrying device that can be coupled to a walker, featuring a base with a carrying surface and a support arm, equipped with caster wheels and adjustable straps or containers, enabling the secure retention and transport of large and multiple articles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the end user grabs the handles of the walker to maintain balance, then balance and stability are improved, but the ability to carry items deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The walker system is divided into two functional segments: the walker frame for balance support and the carrying device for item transport. The carrying device includes a separate base, support arm, and container, allowing items to be carried without compromising the walker's balance function. This segmentation enables the user to maintain grip on handles for stability while simultaneously transporting items through the attached carrying device.
2Quantity of substance
If a small tray or basket is added to the walker frame, then the ability to transport small articles is improved, but the ability to carry large articles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying device extends the walker system into a new spatial dimension by adding a support arm that projects outward from the walker frame. This creates an additional carrying volume away from the main walker structure, allowing large articles to be transported without increasing the footprint or interfering with the walker's balance. The container can be positioned optimally on the support arm to maximize capacity for various sizes of articles.
3Ease of operation
If the walker structure is made lightweight for ease of use, then ease of operation is improved, but the load-bearing capacity for items deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing function is segmented between the walker frame and the carrying device. The walker frame maintains its lightweight construction for ease of use, while the carrying device's base and support arm provide the necessary structural strength to hold items. The container is designed to attach to the support arm, distributing the load appropriately across the structure without requiring the entire walker to be heavy-duty.
Data Source
AI summary
A carrying device is provided to carry at least one article for an end user of a walker while the end user is utilizing the walker. The carrying device includes a base having a first end, a second end, and a carrying surface extending between the first and second ends. The carrying surface is adapted to removably retain the at least one article for the end user. The carrying device further includes a support arm coupled to and extending outwardly from the second end of the base. The support arm is configured to support the at least one article when the at least one article is retained on the carrying surface at a position proximate to the second end of the base.