Walking Aid Feedback System for Gait Irregularity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack the capability to robustly and reliably detect gait, stance, and activity irregularities in users, relying on limited sensor data and failing to provide continuous feedback, which is essential for maintaining mobility and preventing conditions like 'Freeze of Gait' in elderly individuals with neurological disorders.
Innovation Solution
A walking aid system equipped with multiple sensors such as proximity, speed, force, and inertial sensors, along with stimuli generating devices like light, sound, and vibration units, to provide continuous feedback cues based on user profiles, helping users maintain proper gait and stance by detecting deviations and adapting cue intensity and type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors and stimuli generating devices are integrated into the walking aid, then the reliability of detecting gait irregularities is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the walking aid into multiple functional modules: sensor modules (proximity, speed, force, inertial sensors) distributed at different locations, a control unit for processing data, and stimuli generating devices (light, sound, vibration units) positioned to provide feedback. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The walking aid is designed as a multi-functional system that combines mobility support with health monitoring and feedback provision. The same device structure supports the user while integrating sensors for detection and actuators for feedback, eliminating the need for separate monitoring equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If continuous feedback is provided to users, then the effectiveness of preventing gait irregularities is improved, but the loss of information increases due to overwhelming data
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring gait parameters through multiple sensors and providing real-time stimuli through light, sound, or vibration units when irregularities are detected. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables preventive action by alerting users to correct their gait before serious irregularities occur, while the control unit filters and prioritizes information to prevent overload.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous overwhelming feedback, the system uses periodic stimuli generated by the light, sound, and vibration units activated at specific intervals or when threshold violations occur. This periodic feedback mechanism maintains user awareness while avoiding information overload by providing cues only when necessary.
3Adaptability or versatility
If personalized user profiles are implemented, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases due to data management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data collection and analysis to create personalized user profiles before full operation begins. During an initial adaptation period, the sensors collect gait data which is processed by the control unit to establish baseline parameters and individual thresholds. This preliminary profiling enables subsequent personalized feedback without requiring complex real-time data management during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
System for providing feedback to a user of a walking aid to regulate gait, stance and/or activity irregularities, the system being configured to be installed on a walking aid comprising a frame, at least two wheels, two handles and wherein the frame comprises an intermediate supporting frame between the left and right handles of the frame, the system comprising a configuration of sensors for measuring at least one gait, stance and/or activity indicator, a user profile comprising user gait, stance and activity characteristics, a configuration of at least one stimuli generating devices configured to provide feedback to the user with at least one of a tactile, visual or auditory cue based on the measurements of the sensors and on the user profile.