Front Entry Walker with Fold-Down Seat and Three-Sided Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ambulatory walkers do not adequately surround the user or provide support for their weight and lack a seat for resting, making them inadequate for users who need to sit or rest during walking.
Innovation Solution
A front entry walker with a sturdy frame that surrounds the user on three sides, featuring a pivotally connected fold-down seat, adjustable arm rests, swivelly connected wheels, a passive braking system, and the ability to convert between extended and collapsed positions for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rear-entry walkers are used, then the walker can be operated for walking, but the user is not adequately surrounded or supported and cannot rest when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a walker and a seat into a single integrated device. The seat is pivotally connected to the walker frame, allowing it to be deployed when the user needs to rest and stowed when walking. This merging of functions provides both walking support and resting capability without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat is designed to be dynamically deployable through pivotal connection to the walker frame. It can rotate between a stowed position during walking and a deployed position for resting. This dynamic configuration allows the device to adapt its structure based on the user's immediate needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fold-down seat is added to the walker, then the user can rest when needed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The walker frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for walking, acts as a mounting structure for the deployable seat, and forms a surrounding barrier for user safety. The same frame components are utilized for both locomotion and resting functions, reducing the need for entirely separate structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat is divided into two halves that are hingedly connected, allowing the seat to fold in half when not in use. This segmentation enables compact storage of the seat within the walker frame, minimizing the additional space and complexity required.
3Strength
If the walker frame surrounds the user on three sides, then the user is better supported and surrounded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The walker frame is configured to surround the user on three sides rather than forming a complete enclosure. This asymmetric design provides adequate structural support and user protection while leaving the front open for easy access and visibility. The three-sided configuration balances support strength with operational simplicity.
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 walker provides comprehensive support and stability, allowing users to walk safely surrounded by a frame and rest when needed, with the seat and adjustable features enhancing user safety and comfort, while the passive braking system promotes an upright walking position and easy maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
A seat is included that is pivotally connected with the frame to pivot between a deployed position where a user can sit upon the seat and a stowed position to allow a user to walk with the walker
Implementation Method 2
the front wheels are swivelly connected with each of the first and second side frames
Implementation Method 3
a brake system is connected with the rear wheels. The brake system includes brake handles attached with each of the adjustable arm rests. The brake handles are operably connected with the rear wheels to allow a user to selectively operate the brake system
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a walker that is a front entry walker that surrounds the user with a frame on three sides and that includes a fold-down seat when needed. The frame includes a first side frame, a second side frame and a rear frame connected between the first and second side frames. The rear frame includes the seat such that when the seat is in the stowed position, the seat in conjunction with the first and second side frames collectively surround the user on at least three sides. Further, an adjustable arm rest is attached with each of the first and second side frames. Notably, each adjustable arm rest has a forearm support and corresponding brake system.