Walker-Mounted Umbrella Holder for Stable Hands-Free Mobility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Individuals requiring walkers face challenges in using an umbrella outdoors during inclement weather due to difficulties in maintaining stability and keeping the umbrella upright, leading to wet clothes and potential slipping of walker wheels.

Innovation Solution

A cylindrical umbrella holder that attaches to a walker, allowing users to insert and expand the umbrella handle above the walker, providing support and maintaining independence for outdoor use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a walker user tries to use an umbrella simultaneously, then the user can protect themselves from rain and sun, but the walker becomes unstable and the umbrella cannot be maintained in an upright position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from rain and sunVSAvoidwalker stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary umbrella holder device that attaches to the walker frame, serving as a mediator between the walker and the umbrella. This holder provides a dedicated mounting structure that allows the umbrella to be supported independently from the walker, preventing the walker from becoming unstable while still enabling the user to use both devices simultaneously for protection from rain and sun

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a walker user holds an umbrella, then the user can stay dry and cool, but the user cannot maintain independence and control over the walker

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestaying dry and coolVSAvoidwalker control and independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The umbrella holder acts as an intermediary device that transfers the umbrella support function from the user's hands to the walker structure. This allows the user to remain independent and maintain full control over the walker while the holder simultaneously provides the necessary support for the umbrella, enabling the user to stay dry and cool without sacrificing walker control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the umbrella holder is designed to attach to any type and style of walker, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various walker typesVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the umbrella holder with a standardized attachment mechanism that can accommodate different walker types and styles. The holder incorporates universal mounting features such as adjustable arms and versatile fastening methods that allow it to attach to various walker configurations without requiring multiple specialized designs, thereby achieving broad compatibility while managing device complexity through a single multi-functional design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250312227A1Walker Umbrella Device

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 ZERN MARY L

AI summary

A walker or rollator umbrella device is herein disclosed. More specifically, the device is an umbrella holder designed to be attached to a walker. The walker or rollator umbrella device comprises a body component and fasteners. Thus, once the device is fastened to a walker, a user can insert and open an umbrella in the body component and utilize the walker and an umbrella simultaneously.