Walking Aid Rising Support via Traction Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many individuals requiring assistance to stand from a sitting position rely on external help, as existing walking aids do not provide adequate support for rising, necessitating separate aids or manual assistance.
Innovation Solution
Integration of traction devices and a sling or harness within a walking aid's power-actuated height adjustment mechanism to automatically assist users in transitioning from a sitting to a standing position, leveraging existing adjustable features for a cost-effective solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate rising aid is provided, then rising support is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rising support function with the existing walking aid structure by integrating traction devices (wires, bands, ropes or chains) into the height adjustment mechanism. The vertically adjustable armrest platform is coupled with traction devices that connect to a sling or harness, allowing the same structural movement to provide rising assistance without requiring a completely separate device.
Solution Approach 2:
The walking aid's height adjustment mechanism is designed to serve dual purposes: maintaining the walking support function while simultaneously providing rising assistance. The armrest platform's vertical adjustability is utilized to lift the user from sitting to standing position, making the device multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate rising aids.
2Reliability
If a power-actuated height adjustment is used, then rising assistance is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing power-actuated height adjustment mechanism of the walking aid to provide rising assistance, rather than introducing a separate power system. The same motor and control system that adjusts the armrest platform height for walking comfort is repurposed to lift the user vertically, thereby avoiding additional manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable rising assistance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate aids are provided, then functional completeness is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the walking aid and rising aid into a single integrated unit. The user interacts with one device that provides both walking support through the frame and handles, and rising assistance through the vertically adjustable armrest platform coupled with traction devices and sling. This eliminates the need for the user to manage multiple separate aids, significantly improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a rising support integrated in a walking aid and a method of connecting a sling or harness to the walking aid. The walking aid has one part which is adjustable in height in relation to the rest of the walking aid. One or more traction devices, in the form of wires, are connected to the walking aid. One end of each traction device is fastened to the sling, while the other end of the traction device is fastened to a fixed part of the walking aid. Each traction device goes via the part adjustable in height. A person placed in the sling will be raised by the traction devices when the part adjustable in height is lifted, in that the traction device is fastened to the sling and a fixed part of the walking aid and that the traction device passes the part adjustable in height.