Weighted Walker Attachment System with Quick-Release Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walker devices with added weights are difficult for patients to use and remove safely, especially for the elderly with dexterity issues, and there is a risk of improper weight distribution leading to falls and skin tears, as they struggle with Velcro straps and identifying correct weights.
Innovation Solution
A weighted walker attachment system with adjustable, easily mountable and removable weighted plates that can be retrofitted to standard walkers, featuring clamps, clips, or other secure attachment methods, and color-coded or tactilely marked weights to ensure correct usage, allowing for progressive weight adjustment according to therapy plans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pre-existing ankle weights are loosely added to the walker frame using Velcro straps or tape, then weights can be added to the walker device, but the attachment method is difficult for patients with dexterity issues to manage and poses safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized attachment mechanism that serves as an intermediary between the walker frame and weights. This mechanism includes a mounting plate with quick-release latches or snap-fit connectors that interface with standardized weight attachments, eliminating the need for patients to directly manipulate Velcro straps or tape while ensuring secure weight attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex attachment operation from the patient by providing pre-assembled weight modules with integrated attachment mechanisms. The weights come pre-mounted on platforms with built-in quick-connect features, separating the attachment complexity from the patient and leaving only simple attachment actions for the user.
2Reliability
If weights are added to improve proprioceptive feedback, then patient awareness and motor control improve, but the risk of falls and skin tears increases if weights are not properly attached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates safety features that prevent improper weight attachment before use. The mounting system includes mechanical interlocks, audible click indicators, and visual confirmation markers that ensure weights are properly secured before the patient uses the walker, eliminating the risk of weights detaching during use and causing falls or skin tears.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates immediate feedback mechanisms into the attachment system, such as audible clicks, visual indicators, or tactile confirmation when weights are properly secured. This feedback allows patients and therapists to verify correct attachment before use, ensuring reliable proprioceptive feedback while preventing improper attachment that could lead to safety hazards.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple weight options are provided for progressive therapy adjustment, then therapy effectiveness improves, but the complexity of identifying and selecting correct weights increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coding for different weight values, with each weight module featuring distinct color bands or colored indicators corresponding to its weight. This allows patients and therapists to quickly identify and select the appropriate weight without complex labeling or calculations, maintaining therapy adaptability while reducing selection complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides different weight options at different locations on the walker frame, allowing targeted weight distribution. Weights can be attached to specific legs or sides of the walker based on therapeutic needs, with each location offering appropriate weight choices that are easily identifiable through color-coding or positioning markers.
4Reliability
If weights are securely attached to ensure safety, then fall risk decreases, but the ease of removal and adjustment for therapy progression is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic attachment mechanisms such as quick-release latches, snap-fit connectors, or magnetic attachments that provide secure holding during use but allow easy release when needed. These mechanisms automatically lock into place during walker use, ensuring safety, but can be easily disengaged with a simple button press, pull action, or tool-free release mechanism for therapy adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A weighted walker attachment system generally comprises a kit of weighted walker attachments that can be mounted to standard walker or other assistive perambulatory device for use in physical therapy and rehabilitation. A plurality of weighted attachments are provided and adapted to be mounted at a variety of locations on an assistive device. The weight of each attachment can be adjusted, as needed, for example, by adding or removing individual weighted plates mounted on a base plate that itself is removably mounted to the assistive device. In alternate kits, interchangeable weighted attachments can be provided in varying weights, distinguished by optical and/or tactile indicators, and selectively mounted on the assistive device, either as an accessory or in replacing a portion of the device, such as extensions provided on a walker's legs, in accordance with a therapeutic rehabilitation plan for an individual patient.