Walker With Gas Spring Seat Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ambulatory assist devices, such as walkers, fail to provide effective assistance for the common bodily motion of transitioning from a sitting position to a standing position, which is crucial for elderly individuals and those with mobility issues, as they do not offer sufficient lift assistance or seat retraction to avoid interference during walking.
Innovation Solution
A posterior walker design featuring a frame assembly with a seat assembly that includes a gas spring mechanism to assist users in rising from a seated position, allowing the seat to deflect and provide support, while also being retractable to avoid interference when walking, accommodating users of varying weights and heights through adjustable force and seat positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a seat assembly is added to a walker to assist users in rising from a seated position, then lift assistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the seat assembly with the walker frame by mounting it to the rear uprights, integrating two functions (seating and walking assistance) into a single device. This merging approach provides lift assistance without requiring a completely separate system, thus improving ease of operation while controlling complexity growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a gas spring mechanism to provide the lifting force that assists users in rising from the seated position. This pneumatic element delivers the necessary lift assistance through controlled gas pressure expansion, resolving the contradiction by providing mechanical aid without complex mechanical linkages.
2Ease of operation
If the seat assembly is made retractable to avoid interference during walking, then ease of movement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly is designed with movable mounting to the rear uprights, allowing it to shift position dynamically. This dynamic configuration enables the seat to retract or adjust during walking to avoid interference, while maintaining a relatively simple structural implementation through movable connections rather than complex actuation systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the gas spring mechanism is made adjustable for users of varying weights and heights, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas spring mechanism incorporates adjustable parameters such as force output and seat positioning that can be modified to accommodate different user weights and heights. This allows the same basic mechanism to adapt to various users through parameter adjustment rather than requiring completely different configurations, balancing adaptability with structural 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 effectively assists users in transitioning from a seated to a standing position with minimal strain, providing a natural feeling movement and ensuring the seat does not obstruct walking, thus enhancing mobility and reducing the risk of injury or accident.
Implementation Method 1
The means for assisting the user may comprise at least one gas spring having a first end comprising an extendable rod pivotally mounted to the seat assembly and a second end pivotally mounted to the lower frame assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A walker for use by those with limited mobility. The walker includes a seat assembly that assists the user in rising from a seated position or sitting from a standing position. The seat assembly is mounted in a frame and includes at least one gas spring mounted between the seat assembly and the frame that deflects the seat assembly while the user is rising from the seat or dampens the deflection of the seat when the user is sitting. The walker may include other capabilities and attachments, including a braking system and mountings for ancillary equipment.