Convertible Walker Fall Seat Rotation Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current convertible walkers and wheelchairs are complex and ineffective, often requiring multiple people for conversion and providing uncomfortable mobility, which compromises independence and safety for users with physical limitations.
Innovation Solution
A convertible walker system that includes a frame with upper and lower rests, a torso support, and a fall seat that can rotate to catch the user, allowing for easy conversion between wheelchair and walker configurations, with features like spring-assisted mechanisms for stability and hands-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If convertible walkers are designed to transform between wheelchair and walker configurations, then user mobility and independence are improved, but device complexity increases and requires multiple people for conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The walker is divided into modular components including a frame, seat assembly, backrest assembly, and leg rest assembly that can be independently positioned and locked. This segmentation allows each component to be easily adjusted and locked into place during conversion between configurations, simplifying the overall transformation process while maintaining configurability.
Solution Approach 2:
The walker incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms with multiple lockable positions for the seat assembly, backrest assembly, and leg rest assembly. These mechanisms allow smooth transitions between configurations through controlled movement and locking at predetermined positions, reducing conversion complexity while preserving adaptability.
2Reliability
If convertible walkers provide both seated and standing support, then user comfort and safety are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The walker incorporates spring-loaded mechanisms and automatic locking features that enable single-user operation. The spring mechanisms assist in moving heavy components during conversion, while automatic locking features ensure stable positioning without requiring complex manual adjustments, thereby maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The walker uses intermediate locking mechanisms and guide structures that mediate between the user's simple operational inputs and the complex positional adjustments required for stable configuration changes. These intermediaries translate simple user actions into precise, stable positioning of multiple components.
3Ease of operation
If the walker design provides comprehensive support structures, then user comfort is improved, but freedom of movement is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The support structures including seat assembly, backrest assembly, and leg rest assembly are designed with dynamic positioning capabilities that allow them to be adjusted to multiple predetermined positions. This enables the walker to adapt its level of support based on the user's needs while maintaining freedom of movement through easy reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The walker utilizes parameter changes in the positioning of support components, where each component can be locked at multiple discrete positions along its range of motion. This allows the degree of support to be varied by changing positional parameters, balancing comfort with freedom of movement.
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
Enables users to seamlessly transition between seated and standing positions, enhancing mobility and independence while reducing the risk of injury through improved stability and ease of use, even for those with limited arm function.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring configured to bias the fall seat to be in the first position, and a second spring configured to provide assistance force upward when a user is standing from a seated position
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible walker is provided. The convertible walker can have a wheelchair configuration and a walker configuration to allow a user to alternately sit and stand, and can include a frame supporting an upper rest and a lower rest. A fall seat can be provided that is coupled to the lower rest and rotatable relative to the upper rest. The fall seat can break the fall of a user by rotating via the falling action of the user. In both the wheelchair and walker configurations, a torso support can retain the user in the convertible walker.