Walking Assistance Device with Multi-Point Distance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking assistance devices fail to provide safe and dynamic support, as they cannot accurately detect the user's leg positions and movements, leading to potential falls and inability to turn or brake effectively.
Innovation Solution
A walking assistance device equipped with a distance detection system that uses index members on the user's legs to calculate and maintain a preset distance range, employing a control strategy to adjust the power transmission device's speed and direction, ensuring stable support and preventing falls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the detection setup only checks the distance from the user's belly to the detection member, then the control system can determine when to move the frame forward or backward, but the system cannot detect if the user will fall down or cannot accurately detect the user's leg positions and movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into multiple independent detection members positioned at different locations (front, rear, left, right sides of the frame). Each detection member independently measures the distance to the user's body, allowing the system to segment the monitoring of different body parts and movements, thereby improving both measurement precision and reliability for fall detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point distance detection (belly to frame) to multi-point spatial detection by placing detection members at multiple positions around the frame. This dimensional expansion from 1D to 3D space enables comprehensive monitoring of the user's position and posture, improving both measurement accuracy and fall detection reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the rear rollers are designed to turn freely in every direction, then the frame can move easily, but the frame does not turn about the user when the user wants to turn and cannot perform braking function when the user falls laterally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fully free-rolling rear rollers with wheels that have dynamically adjustable rolling directions. The rolling direction of these wheels can be controlled to match the user's movement intentions, enabling the system to provide both easy mobility when needed and controlled turning/braking when required, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the detection members continuously monitor the user's position and the control system adjusts the wheel rolling directions accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the wheels to automatically adapt their rolling direction to the user's needs, providing both smooth mobility and controlled turning/braking functions.
3Device complexity
If the detection system only monitors distance from the belly, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot provide dynamic support when the user's leg positions and movements are not accurately detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection system into multiple independent detection members positioned at different locations, each responsible for monitoring specific areas. This segmentation allows the system to maintain relatively simple individual component structures while achieving complex dynamic support capabilities through coordinated operation of multiple segments.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a walking assistance device with detection function, which includes a movable frame, a power transmission device mounted under the frame, a detachable power unit mounted on the frame, at least one signal transmitter and at least one signal receiver for detecting the distances from a first portion and a second portion on the user's body to a correspond position of the frame respectively. According to the distances detected, a control unit sends signals to the power transmission device to maintain the distance between the user and the frame within a preset range, therefore to provide supporting forces when the user needs.