Progress Presentation 1
Progress Presentation 1. Team Highlander. Design Problem. Current walker users have trouble getting out of chairs of varying size. The importance of this problem is to come up with a design that allows the user to help themselves up and subsequently assist them in walking.
Progress Presentation 1
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Presentation Transcript
Progress Presentation 1 Team Highlander
Design Problem • Current walker users have trouble getting out of chairs of varying size. • The importance of this problem is to come up with a design that allows the user to help themselves up and subsequently assist them in walking. • The motivation of this project is to give people with motor disabilities the sense of independence in their mobility.
Challenges & Opportunities • Maintain high level of safety. • Ergonomic, mobile and compact design. • Eliminate the use of motors for functionality. • Design of the frame to accommodate user weight, stability and lift functions. • Opportunity to conquer these challenges and create a unique design that satisfies the user to the fullest extent, giving them a sense of self sufficiency.
Design Specifications • Capacity – support up to 300 lbs • Weight – approximately 10 lbs • Compact – ability to be collapsed and stored • Price – mid range/affordable; ~$200 • Material – aluminum; light weight; available; easily machined • Reliability – 95% reliable • Safety – high priority • Dimensions – approximately 17x22x33 in. (DxWxH)
Concept 1 (Break-A-Leg) Pros Functional grip and has handbrakes Collapses to manageable height Easy to use Cons • Structural stability • Source of actuating force
Concept 2 (Metamorphosis) Pros • Button actuated • High adaptability • Vertical lift assistance Cons • Lengthy operation • Too many mechanical parts
Concept 3 (Show Stopper) Pros • Provides lift support • Counterbalance • Retractable Cons • Requires space directly below user • Counterbalance stability
Product 1-The Original Lift Walker Similarities • Lifts user from a sitting position to a standing position • Can be used as a walker Differences • Very expensive • Primary use is for hospitals and patients with disabilities as opposed to the average daily user • Straps and harnesses are used • Shape Description A walker primarily used for therapy designed to improve a user’s “strength, balance and coordination.” It utilizes a hydraulic lifting operation that adjusts for a user’s weight and can lift a user from a sitting position. Straps and harnesses may also be used for extra support during lifting operation.
Product 2- Hugo 4.0 Elite Rolling Walker Similarities • Wheels • Hand brakes • Differences • It lacks ability to aid user in rising from chair • Does not adjust width for adaptability Description It’s a walker with large wheels on it for ease of movement. It comes with a storage pouch and a seat. Another storage compartment is located underneath the seat. Features hand brakes and can be collapsed for easy transport.
Patent 1-Motorized WalkerPat No. 5168947 Date: 12/08/1992 • A motorized walker includes a base upon which a person can stand, with wheels on the base for rollably supporting the base. • Variable speed reversible electric motors are provided for driving the wheels. • Difference: Does not assist in stand-up process. • Similarity: Utilizes motors to help drive walker
Patent 2- Walker release buttonPatent No. 5255696 Date: 10/26/1993 • Manufacturer: Diamond Medical Equipment Corp. (Mount Vernon, NY) • A collapsible walker for elderly and disabled persons including first and second U-shape side frames which are pivotal relative to a front frame, enabling the walker to be collapsed substantially flat. • A pushbutton on the sleeve permits disengaging the detent from the catch slot. • Difference: Does not assist stand-up process • Similarity: Push Button
Patent Claims • The device assists user in walking and rising from a seated position by transferring the center of gravity to a location over the user’s feet. • Mechanical advantage from the device provides lift assistance to the user – no external energy is used in the lifting process. • The device accomplishes the center of gravity transfer by altering its geometry to more effectively capitalize on the strength of its user.
Market Research Plan • Continued product research • Talk to companies that manufacture and design walkers • Nova, Medline, Hugo, Carex, Invacare and Mabis • Talk to assisted living employees and residents • Brighton Gardens of Buckhead, Atria Buckead, Delmar Gardens of Gwinnett, The Arbor Company
Conclusion • Schedule has been established for task management. • Three concepts have been selected to make up the final design proposed. • Evaluation criteria have been used to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each design. • Patent/Product research has been conducted. • Market research needs to be completed. • CAD and manufacturing analysis is scheduled. • Final design and prototyping will commence.
