Wrap Around Walking Aid Upright Posture Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional walkers cause users to adopt a bent forward low back and neck posture, leading to neck and back pain, abnormal wrist bending, and inhibit a normal gait pattern, also contributing to falls.

Innovation Solution

A wrap-around walking aid with a rear and front lower frame structure, upper frame, wheels, and adjustable forearm supports that allow for an upright posture, enabling folding and pivoting for ease of use and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional walkers are used, then mobility support is provided, but neck and back pain increases due to bent forward posture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobility supportVSAvoidneck and back pain

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional walker design by moving the support structure from a front-facing configuration to a wraparound configuration that encircles the user's body. The upper frame wraps around the back and extends forward, with forearm supports positioned behind the user's arms, fundamentally changing the posture requirement from bent forward to upright.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional front-facing support structure to a three-dimensional wraparound structure that encircles the user's body. The upper frame extends from the rear wheels, wraps around the back, and forward over the seat, creating multi-dimensional support that enables upright posture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If conventional walkers with break handles are used, then control is provided, but wrist and elbow pain increases due to abnormal wrist bending

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecontrolVSAvoidwrist and elbow pain

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the handle position from front-facing to rearward positioning. The handles are located at the rear of the walker where the upper frame connects to the rear wheels, allowing users to grip and control the walker without bending their wrists forward abnormally. The forearm supports extend behind the user's arms, providing support in a natural arm position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If conventional walkers are used, then mobility assistance is provided, but normal gait pattern is inhibited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobility assistanceVSAvoidgait pattern disruption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the walker's spatial relationship with the user by moving it from a front-facing configuration that requires leaning forward to a wraparound configuration that supports upright posture. This fundamental repositioning allows users to maintain natural gait patterns while receiving mobility assistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates adjustable components including height-adjustable telescoping segments in the upper frame and foldable lower frames with folding points. These dynamic adjustments allow the walker to adapt to different user heights and preferences, optimizing support while maintaining natural movement patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If conventional walkers with forward leaning posture are used, then stability is provided, but fall risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidfall risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the posture requirement from forward leaning to upright posture by repositioning the support structure. The wraparound upper frame and rearward-positioned handles enable users to maintain an upright stance while receiving stability support, thereby reducing fall risk associated with forward leaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates multi-dimensional support through the wraparound upper frame that extends from the rear wheels, wraps around the back, and forward over the seat. This three-dimensional structure provides stability while maintaining upright posture, addressing the fall risk issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20250205105A1Wrap around walking aid

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 A BETTER WALKER LLC

AI summary

A walking aid that assists a user in walking in an upright position. The walking aid may include a rear lower frame structure, a front lower frame structure, a first front wheel coupled to a first front lower frame member, a second front wheel coupled to a second front lower frame member, a first rear wheel coupled to the first rear lower frame member, a second rear wheel coupled to the second rear lower frame member, an upper frame structure comprising a first upper frame member, a second upper frame member, a first forearm support, and a second forearm support, a first pivot and latch mechanism pivotally coupling the first upper frame member and the first rear lower frame member together, and a second pivot and latch mechanism pivotally coupling the second upper frame member and the second rear lower frame member together.