Adjustable Walker With Rear Extensions and Segmented Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional walkers are not suitable for use outside clinical settings due to their confinement, which limits their practicality and stability when entering or exiting, and they lack rear support for users.
Innovation Solution
A vertically and horizontally adjustable walker with open rear ends, non-pivotable rear wheels for stability, and extensions for rear support, combined with a horizontal upper support frame for underarm support and pivotable front caster wheels for easy steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the walker is enclosed on all four sides to provide safety and support, then user safety is improved, but ease of entering and exiting the walker deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The walker frame is segmented into four sides with the rear side divided into removable panels and fixed extensions. This segmentation allows the rear enclosure to be partially opened by removing panels while retaining fixed extensions for support, thereby enabling easy entry and exit while maintaining safety during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear panels are designed to be removable, transforming the static enclosed structure into a dynamic one that can be opened and closed. This allows the walker to transition between enclosed and open states, facilitating easy entry and exit while maintaining safety when enclosed.
2Ease of operation
If rear panels are removed to facilitate entering and exiting, then ease of operation is improved, but stability of the walker deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rear structure is segmented into removable panels and fixed extensions. The fixed extensions remain attached to the frame providing continuous structural support and stability, while the removable panels can be taken away to facilitate entry and exit without compromising the overall stability of the walker.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the rear structure have different properties: the fixed extensions provide rigid structural support for stability, while the removable panels provide flexible access. This local differentiation allows the walker to maintain stability while facilitating easy entry and exit.
3Reliability
If the walker is designed with fixed structure for stability, then reliability is improved, but adaptability to different user sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The walker incorporates adjustable components including height-adjustable armrests and removable rear panels. These dynamic features allow the structure to be customized for different user sizes and preferences while maintaining the overall stable framework through fixed extensions and rigid base.
Solution Approach 2:
The walker is designed with universal features that accommodate different users: adjustable armrest heights, removable panels for various access needs, and extensions that can serve multiple functions including structural support and handholds. This multi-functionality enhances adaptability while maintaining stability.
4Ease of operation
If extensions are added to the rear for support during exiting, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extensions are merged with the existing frame structure, serving dual purposes as both structural components and support handholds. This integration adds support functionality during exit without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as the extensions utilize the same materials and attachment methods as the main frame.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable walker having a horizontal base and a horizontal upper support frame, each being adjustable in width. A pair of vertical support frames are attached to the horizontal base frame and are adjustably attached to the horizontal upper support frame so that the horizontal upper support frame is adjustable in height. Extensions on the rear ends of the horizontal base frame and the horizontal upper support frame extend beyond the rear end of the walker. Pivotable caster wheels are attached to the front end of the horizontal base frame. Non-pivoting rear wheels are attached to the rear end of the horizontal base frame to stabilize the rear end. The horizontal upper support frame supports the upper body of a user. The extensions provide support to the user and stability to the walker as a user exits the rear of the walker to sit on a bed or chair.