Adjustable Walking Support Structure for Arm Stability and Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking supporting devices have limited and complex adjustment mechanisms, leading to discontinuous and cumbersome adjustments, which fail to meet user stability, comfort, and load distribution needs, increasing fatigue and fall risk.
Innovation Solution
A walking supporting device with adjustable gripping, holding, and supporting sections that allow continuous rotation and locking through mechanical elements, enabling easy and precise adjustment of inclinations and extensions to fit user-specific needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional walker with handrails is used, then users can maintain balance and stability, but users with arm injuries or amputations cannot use the handrails and must rely on others for assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces foot-operated levers as an intermediary control mechanism. Instead of requiring direct hand contact with handrails, users operate the walker through foot pedals that convert foot pressure into steering and braking actions, enabling independent operation for those with arm disabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The walker is designed with multiple control modes: traditional handrail operation for able-bodied users, foot-operated levers for those with arm injuries, and the ability to function as both a walker and a stationary support. This multi-functionality ensures the device serves diverse user needs
2Ease of manufacture
If the walker structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then production cost decreases, but the structural strength and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The walker frame is divided into modular components (front leg, rear leg, seat assembly, footrest assembly) that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity through standardized connection points
Solution Approach 2:
The walker incorporates dynamic elements such as the foot-operated levers with spring mechanisms and the tilting seat that adjusts based on user weight. These dynamic components provide necessary strength and stability while using elastic deformation and mechanical advantage to achieve robust performance without excessive material usage
3Weight of moving object
If the walker is designed to be lightweight for ease of movement, then portability improves, but the load-bearing capacity and stability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs aluminum alloy or other lightweight materials with high strength-to-weight ratios. By changing the material parameters while maintaining optimized structural geometry, the walker achieves reduced weight without sacrificing load-bearing capacity. The foot-operated lever system also utilizes mechanical advantage to amplify foot pressure into effective braking and steering forces
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The walking supporting device (1) comprises: one gripping section (2) extending along a first direction of extension (A), intended to be grasped, in use, by the user of the device (1) and provided with a pair of extreme portions (3) substantially opposite each other; one holding section (4) extending along a second direction of extension (B) substantially transverse relative to the first direction of extension (A), intended to hold, in use, at least partly the user's arm and associated with one of the extreme portions (3); at least one supporting section (5) on the ground extending along a third direction of extension (6) substantially transverse relative to the first direction of extension (A) and associated with the other of the extreme portions (3); adjustment means (6, 7) for adjusting the inclination of at least one of either the gripping section (2), the holding section (4) or the supporting section (5) relative to at least another of the sections (2, 4, 5) in continuity between a plurality of positions of use. The walking supporting device (1) comprises: one gripping section (2) extending along a first direction of extension (A), intended to be grasped, in use, by the user of the device (1) and provided with a pair of extreme portions (3) substantially opposite each other; one holding section (4) extending along a second direction of extension (B) substantially transverse relative to the first direction of extension (A), intended to hold, in use, at least partly the user's arm and associated with one of the extreme portions (3); at least one supporting section (5) on the ground extending along a third direction of extension (6) substantially transverse relative to the first direction of extension (A) and associated with the other of the extreme portions (3); adjustment means (6, 7) for adjusting the inclination of at least one of either the gripping section (2), the holding section (4) or the supporting section (5) relative to at least another of the sections (2, 4, 5) in continuity between a plurality of positions of use.