Walking Stabilizer Projection Device for Akinesia Paradoxica

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for managing akinetic episodes in Parkinson's disease patients, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,294, lack a method to regulate and actuate projection instruments effectively, which are crucial for providing visual cues to aid mobility during akinesia paradoxica episodes.

Innovation Solution

A two-pole series switch circuit configuration is integrated with the braking mechanism of a walking stabilizer to control a projection device, ensuring it activates only when the user is ready to move, using tactile switches, capacitive sensors, or pressure-sensitive sensors within the hand grips to provide a visual stimulus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the projection device is mounted on the walking stabilizer to provide visual cues for akinetic episodes, then the effectiveness of combatting akinesia paradoxica is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in combatting akinesia paradoxicaVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The projection device is integrated with the walking stabilizer structure, combining the visual cue function with the mobility support function. The control circuit merges the brake lever position sensing with the projection activation logic, so that releasing the brakes automatically triggers the projection device without requiring separate manual activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the user's own action of releasing the brake lever as the trigger signal for activating the projection device. The brake lever position sensor detects when the user releases the brakes and automatically activates the projection without requiring additional user input, making the system self-activating based on the user's natural movement intent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the projection device is activated manually via push button, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental activation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of activationVSAvoidaccidental activation prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The brake lever position sensor acts as an intermediary between the user's braking action and the projection activation. Instead of directly connecting the push button to the projection device, the system uses the brake lever position as an intermediate signal that must be intentionally changed (by releasing the brake) to activate the projection, adding a layer of intentional verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback through the brake lever position sensor that continuously monitors the braking state. The projection device only activates when the brake lever is in the released position, creating a feedback loop that ensures the user intentionally wants to move before the projection is activated, preventing accidental activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the projection device remains on continuously, then the visual cue availability is improved, but the battery power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual cue availabilityVSAvoidbattery power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The projection device operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when the brake lever is released and the user intends to move. The system turns off the projection when the brake is engaged, creating a periodic on/off cycle that conserves battery power while maintaining visual cue availability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The projection device transitions from a static continuous operation mode to a dynamic conditional operation mode. The projection is dynamically activated or deactivated based on the real-time position of the brake lever, allowing the system to adapt its power consumption to the user's immediate needs rather than operating at constant power regardless of usage context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution provides a more effective visual cue for patients with Parkinson's disease to combat akinesia paradoxica, conserves battery power, and prevents accidental activation, while also being ergonomic and easy to use, thus aiding in mobility and rehabilitation.

Implementation Method 1

a capacitive sensor that is located on the hand grip of the walker stabilizer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a solid state strain-pressure sensor mounted within the grips of the walking stabilizer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensitivity: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7484740B2Projection and actuation device for a walking stabilizer

Publication Date: 2009.02.03 MILLER JONATHAN JAY

AI summary

A walking stabilizer equipped to combat the effects of akinesia paradoxica by employing a novel method and device to regulate and actuate a projection instrument which generates a pattern perpendicular to the user's direction of travel. The regulating and actuating device comprises a two pole series switch circuit configuration in tandem with the walking stabilizer's novel dual action braking mechanism. The projection device is only operable when the user concurrently selects its use and when the walker stabilizer is free for movement or in contact with the patient.