Upright Walker Extension Cross-Member Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal walker extension devices do not adequately support users in an upright position, limiting comfort and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A removably coupled cross-member with lateral and vertical members, including grips and armrests, that attaches to existing walkers to provide structural support and comfort for users in an upright posture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If existing personal walker extension devices are used, then users can be supported by structural components, but users cannot maintain an upright position adequately
Solution Approach 1:
The extension device is divided into multiple functional segments: a cross-member for attachment to the walker, lateral members for weight distribution, vertical members for upright support, and grips/armrests for user interaction. Each segment addresses a specific aspect of the upright position support problem while maintaining overall maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device extends the walker structure vertically upward from the horizontal plane, adding a vertical dimension to the support system. This vertical extension enables users to maintain an upright posture by providing additional support in the vertical direction, separate from the horizontal walker frame.
2Stability of the object's composition
If structural support is added to existing walkers, then upright position support is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-member serves multiple functions: it attaches to the walker's cross-brace, provides mounting points for lateral members, and acts as a structural hub for the entire extension assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral members attach to the cross-member, which itself attaches to the walker's cross-brace, creating a nested structure where each component is integrated within the previous one. This nested arrangement minimizes the number of separate structural elements and simplifies assembly.
3Ease of operation
If extension components are added to walkers, then user comfort is improved, but weight of the walker increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension device adds support components only at the specific locations where upright position support is needed - namely the vertical members positioned at the user's hand level. This localized addition of structural quality provides comfort without requiring the entire walker to be reinforced, minimizing weight increase.
Data Source
AI summary
An upright extension for personal walkers for supporting users of personal walkers in an upright position includes a cross-member. The cross-member is removably coupled to a cross-brace of a walker. The cross-member has a first end and a second end orientated opposite each other. A coupler removably couples the cross-member to the cross-brace. A pair of lateral members extends rearwardly from each of a one of the first and second ends. Each of the pair of lateral members has a support attached to a distal end with regard to the cross-member. Each of the supports extends outwardly away from the pair of lateral members. Each of a pair of vertical members extends upwardly from a one of the lateral members adjacent to a one of the first and second ends. Each of the pair of vertical members has a grip and an armrest extending rearwardly.