Walking Aid Weight Support Device With Constant Force Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weight support devices for walking aids often fail to adequately support the user's weight, require inappropriate gestures, and are expensive, limiting their effectiveness and accessibility for rehabilitation.
Innovation Solution
A weight support device with an elongated guiding body, a connection body, and constant force springs that provide a restoring force to compensate for the user's weight, integrated into a walking aid, allowing for improved weight distribution and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional weight support devices are used, then some weight support is provided, but the support is inadequate and does not properly compensate for user weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the anti-weight principle by using constant force springs to generate an upward restoring force that counteracts the downward gravitational force on the user. The springs are configured to provide a force that compensates for the user's weight, creating a counterbalancing effect that properly supports the user during rehabilitation exercises.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of spring force characteristics by using constant force springs instead of conventional springs. This ensures that the supporting force remains consistent and adequate throughout the range of motion, rather than varying with displacement as in Hookean springs, thereby reliably compensating for user weight.
2Ease of operation
If conventional weight support devices are used, then basic support function is provided, but the device forces inadequate gestures that hinder rehabilitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by providing the connection body with freedom to move vertically along the longitudinal axis of the guiding body. This dynamic configuration allows the user to perform natural, appropriate rehabilitation gestures while the constant force springs provide consistent support, rather than constraining the user to fixed, inadequate movements.
3Reliability
If conventional weight support devices are used, then some support is provided, but the devices are expensive and limit accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the weight support device into modular components: an elongated guiding body, a movable connection body, constant force springs, and a body securing device. This modular segmentation simplifies manufacturing and assembly, reducing costs while maintaining reliable weight support capability through the functional integrity of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses constant force springs as a simplified mechanical copying of the support function provided by expensive robotic or motorized systems. By replicating the essential weight compensation function through passive mechanical means, the device achieves reliable support at a fraction of the cost of active systems.
4Ease of operation
If the connection body is allowed to move freely along the longitudinal axis, then proper rehabilitation gestures are enabled, but weight support stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The constant force springs provide a counterbalancing force that stabilizes the connection body during its vertical movement. As the connection body moves along the longitudinal axis to accommodate rehabilitation gestures, the springs generate a restoring force that maintains weight support stability, preventing uncontrolled movement while enabling appropriate range of motion.
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 device offers enhanced weight support and balance, replicating professional rehabilitation, reducing limb stress, and enabling remote monitoring and progression tracking.
Implementation Method 1
at least one constant force spring rotatably mounted to the elongated guiding body, an outer end of the at least one constant force spring being connected to the connection body
Data Source
AI summary
A weight support device for use with a walking aid to at least partially support a weight of a user. The weight support device includes an elongated guiding body mountable to the walking aid and having a longitudinal axis extending vertically, a connection body slidably mounted to the elongated guiding body for translating along the longitudinal axis, at least one constant force spring rotatably mounted to the elongated guiding body with an outer end of the spring connected to the connection body, and a body securing device for engagement with the user and mounted to the connection body. When the elongated guiding body is mounted to the walking aid, the spring exerts a restoring constant force on the connection body when the connection body moves away from the first end of the elongated guiding body.