Cone-Shaped Walker Glider with Twist Lock for Multi-Surface Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional medical walker gliders with rubber ends are inadequate for stability on various surfaces, such as carpets and outdoor surfaces, necessitating the use of additional modifications like tennis balls for improved functionality and aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

A cone-shaped glider accessory with twist lock projections and oval-shaped channels for secure filamentous decoration, allowing for customizable and stable gliding on multiple surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rubber ends are used on walker gliders, then stability on smooth surfaces is improved, but functionality on carpets and outdoor surfaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability on smooth surfacesVSAvoidfunctionality on multiple surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The glider accessory is designed with a dual-function capability: the cone-shaped vessel with filamentous decorations provides aesthetic enhancement and personalized customization, while the insert component with gliding surface delivers functional performance across multiple surfaces including carpets, outdoor surfaces, and smooth floors. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate decorative and functional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The insert component is inserted into the cone-shaped vessel, creating a nested structure where the functional element (insert with gliding surface) is contained within the aesthetic element (cone-shaped vessel with decorations). This nesting allows both components to work together while maintaining their individual functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If tennis balls are added to rubber ends, then multi-surface functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-surface functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the aesthetic function (represented by the cone-shaped vessel with filamentous decorations) and the functional gliding capability (represented by the insert component with gliding surface) into a single integrated accessory. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate modifications like adding tennis balls to rubber ends, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining multi-surface functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional rubber ends are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidaesthetic appeal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The accessory is segmented into two distinct components: the cone-shaped vessel that provides aesthetic appeal with its decorative filamentous elements, and the insert component that provides the functional gliding surface. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using suitable processes, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving aesthetic enhancement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11666503B2Aesthetic glider for walkers

Publication Date: 2023.06.06 SMILE GLIDES LLC

AI summary

A walking aid accessory that is an aesthetic glider for a walker and a method of manufacturing.