Walker Step with Foldable Foot Rest for Elevated Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard walkers often fail to provide adequate elevation for individuals with physical disabilities to access high areas such as beds, chairs, or cars, increasing the risk of falls and musculoskeletal injuries.
Innovation Solution
A foldable or stowable foot rest is integrated into the walker, pivotally connected to a rod between two frames, with retractable support legs that can be lowered or raised to provide additional height, allowing users to reach difficult-to-access areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard walker is used, then the walker provides basic mobility support, but it fails to provide adequate elevation for accessing high areas
Solution Approach 1:
The foot rest is designed to be movable between a horizontal position (providing elevation) and a vertical/stowed position. The pivot connection allows the foot rest to rotate between these positions, enabling the walker to adapt its elevation capability dynamically based on user needs while maintaining a compact form when the elevation function is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The walker is divided into functional segments: the main walker frame providing mobility support, and the detachable/foldable foot rest providing elevation capability. This segmentation allows the elevation feature to be added without fundamentally redesigning the entire walker structure, and enables the foot rest to be stowed when not needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable foot rest is added to the walker, then adjustable elevation is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foot rest incorporates movable components including a pivot connection for rotation between horizontal and vertical positions, and retractable support legs that can extend and retract. These dynamic elements enable the foot rest to adapt its configuration based on whether elevation is needed, providing versatility while managing complexity through motion rather than multiple discrete components.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot rest serves multiple functions: when horizontal, it provides an elevated surface for foot placement to assist with reaching high areas; when vertical, it stores compactly on the walker frame. The retractable support legs provide additional stability when extended and tuck away when not needed, making the same structure serve both elevation and compact storage purposes.
3Ease of operation
If the foot rest is lowered to provide elevation, then access to high areas is improved, but the walker structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The foot rest is connected via a pivot mechanism that allows it to rotate between a vertical stowed position and a horizontal lowered position. This dynamic connection enables the foot rest to be easily positioned for accessing high areas without requiring complex mounting or adjustment mechanisms, as the pivot naturally allows motion between the two extreme positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot rest structure appears to utilize its own weight and the pivot connection to automatically position itself. When lowered, the foot rest remains in the horizontal position to provide the elevated surface needed for accessing high areas, with the structure itself serving its function without requiring additional active control mechanisms.
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 foldable foot rest enhances the usability of walkers by providing adjustable elevation, reducing the risk of falls and musculoskeletal injuries by enabling safe access to high areas, thereby improving mobility and safety for individuals with physical disabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the foldable foot rest is pivotally connected to a rod having a first end fastened to the first leg of the first frame and a second end fastened to the second leg of the first frame
Implementation Method 2
the foldable foot rest comprises one or more retractable foot rest support legs at a bottom portion of the flat surface
Data Source
AI summary
A walker that includes a first frame having first and second legs, a second frame having first and second legs, one or more support bars connecting the first leg of the first frame to the first leg of the second frame; and a foldable or stowable foot rest.