Rolling Walker with Pivotable Footrest and Repositionable Backrest
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rolling walkers lack the ability to be temporarily converted into a wheeled transportation chair, as they do not provide sufficient space for user feet support when seated and require caregiver assistance, limiting their functionality in transporting users.
Innovation Solution
A walker device with a frame structure featuring rotatable wheels, a detachable backrest, and a pivotable footrest assembly that can be converted between a walking aid and a seated transportation chair, allowing users to be seated facing forward with their feet supported.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rolling walker is designed with a fixed rearward-facing seating position, then the user can rest while walking, but there is very little space for feet support and it cannot be used for temporary transportation with caregiver assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is made detachable and repositionable, allowing it to be moved from a fixed rearward position to a forward-facing position. This dynamic reconfiguration transforms the limited rearward-facing seating into a spacious forward-facing transportation chair configuration, enabling both walking assistance and temporary transportation functions without adding permanent structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling walker is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be used as a walking aid with rearward-facing seating for resting, and when the backrest is repositioned to the forward position, it becomes a transportation chair for users who need caregiver-assisted transport. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the device adaptable to different usage scenarios
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rolling walker includes only basic seating, then the structure remains simple, but it lacks dedicated feet support elements required for transportation seating
Solution Approach 1:
The feet support is implemented as a separate, detachable footrest assembly rather than being integrated into the basic frame. This segmentation allows the footrest to be added only when transportation function is needed, providing dedicated feet support without permanently increasing the complexity of the walking aid structure
Solution Approach 2:
The footrest is designed to be selectively positionable and detachable, allowing it to be deployed when transportation seating is required and removed or stowed when not needed. This dynamic deployment provides feet support capability on demand without adding permanent structural complexity to the basic walking aid
3Ease of operation
If the backrest is permanently fixed in the rear position, then the walker provides stable support for walking, but it cannot be converted to a forward-facing transportation chair
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is designed with a quick-release mechanism that allows it to be easily detached and repositioned from the rear walking support position to the forward transportation chair position. This dynamic reconfigurability maintains ease of operation during walking while enabling transformation to forward-facing transportation mode when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest is pre-equipped with attachment mechanisms at both the rear and forward positions, allowing for quick reconfiguration without complex assembly steps. This preliminary preparation of attachment points enables easy repositioning while maintaining the stability and ease of operation characteristic of the fixed rearward position
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 be temporarily transported in a wheeled chair configuration by caregivers, enhancing mobility assistance and convenience by providing dedicated foot support and adjustable seating positions.
Implementation Method 1
Rolling walkers or wheeled walkers are widely used by elderly people and/or other people experiencing difficulty walking without a walking aid. A rolling walker typically has a frame mounted on four rollers or wheels
Implementation Method 2
A footrest assembly attached to the frame structure and adapted to pivot about parallel first and second pivoting axes, between a folded position and an unfolded position
Data Source
AI summary
A walker device for assisting an individual with mobility which is temporarily convertible to a wheeled transportation chair, includes a frame structure having two front legs and two rear legs supported or rotatable wheels. A seat is attached to the frame structure. A backrest is selectively disposed in a front position for a rearward seating condition or in a rear position for a forward seating condition. A footrest assembly is optionally attached to the frame structure and is adapted to pivot about first and second pivoting axes parallel to each other, between a folded position and an unfolded position.