Assisted Walking Device with Lateral Gait Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assisted walking devices for individuals with one-sided paralysis or weakness are either complex and difficult to install or limited in their ability to provide controlled lateral gait movement, often requiring removal of clothing and interfering with medical devices, or they simply transfer weight to the upper body, offering limited assistance.
Innovation Solution
A simple, user-friendly assisted walking device that includes a vertically oriented support rod with adjustable components, an upper body retainer, hand grip, knee support, and foot stirrup, along with an active lateral gait force limit assembly to control lateral movement, allowing for secure attachment and controlled lateral gait while preventing lateral falling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sophisticated assisted walking devices are used, then walking assistance effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modular components: a wearable support unit with lateral gait control mechanism and a separate handheld support unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while reducing overall installation complexity compared to integrated sophisticated devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a simple connection mechanism (rope, strap, or rigid connector) as an intermediary between the wearable support unit and handheld support unit. This intermediary approach provides effective walking assistance without requiring complex integrated systems.
2Reliability
If sophisticated assisted walking devices are used, then walking assistance effectiveness is improved, but installation time and user friendliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device components can be independently adjusted and attached to the user's body without requiring removal of clothing or complex assembly procedures. The wearable support unit attaches to the waist/hip region and the handheld unit to the hand, allowing quick installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes pre-configured adjustable components with quick-adjust mechanisms that allow users to customize fit and positioning without requiring complex assembly or professional installation, significantly reducing setup time.
3Reliability
If sophisticated assisted walking devices are used, then walking assistance effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed for self-adjustment and self-operation by the user. The wearable support unit features adjustable straps and the handheld unit can be positioned according to user preference, eliminating the need for complex controls or assistance from others for operation.
4Force
If crutches are used, then weight transfer to upper body is achieved, but lateral gait control and walking assistance effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates weight support function (handheld support unit) from lateral gait control function (wearable support unit with lateral motion limiter). This segmentation allows both functions to be performed effectively simultaneously, unlike traditional crutches that only provide weight transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable support unit incorporates a lateral motion limiter specifically at the waist/hip region where lateral gait control is needed, while the handheld unit provides weight support at the upper body. This localized functional distribution achieves both weight transfer and lateral control effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
Assisted walking devices for use by a person with at least one side paralysis or weakness and for paraplegics are provided with features for user friendly attachment and release of the devices. The assisted walking devices include features for controlled limitation of lateral gait movement that occurs in natural lateral walking gait motion.