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 Selection & Justification

Second Level Evaluation Matrix

Design Concepts

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

FRDPARRC Chart Functional RequirementsDesign ParametersAnalysisReferencesRiskCounter-measures Lifting aid Sliding handlesStatics; Def Bods; FEACOE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks; Handles will slide back in during use; Handles will not be rigid enough to support weight; Motor controlled sliding; Retractable handlesStatics; Def Bods; FEACOE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks;Not robust; Weak joints;Adjust frame to support more stress on joints Retractable supportsStatics; Def Bods; FEACOE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks;Cannot be used in an area without space beneath; Make position of supports adjustible/use internal counterweights Enveloping designStatics; Def Bods; FEACOE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks; Cannot be used with a couch; Possible injury when contracting the frame again; Make contraction of frame a slow process Spring supported handlesStatics; Def Bods; FEA; Machine DesignCOE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks;Injury from misuse Use springs that won't cause bodily harm from too much strength Lift design (motor powered)Statics; Def Bods; Dynamics; FEACOE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks;High complexity; High cost;Implement as modular a design as possible Collapsing design (motor powered)Statics; Def Bods; Dynamics; FEACOE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks;High complexity; High cost;Implement as modular a design as possible Support during use Standard frame Statics; Def Bods; FEA COE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks;material wearing outUse a higher grade material X-shaped frame Statics; Def Bods; FEA COE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks;Not easily stowed;Use a higher grade material Safety Electronics to control design partitions Systems & Controls ME 3015 TextbookShort circuit;Reliable electronics Sensors Systems & Controls ME 3015 TextbookLimited line of sightPlace in area with good line of sight Hand brakes for wheelsFriction analysis Injury from misuseEasy to use handbrakes Meets/exceeds industry standardsIndustry regulationsN/AFederal GovernmentInjury from substandard constructionStandards Training Accessories Removable trayStatic/DynamicsStatics/Dynamics textbooktray wearing outHigh grade material Hooks to hang thingsStatic/DynamicsStatics/Dynamics textbookhooks crack over timeHigh grade material Weight balance shifting fluidFluid MechanicsFluid Mechanic textbookfluid descreasing over timeability to replace fluid shifting weight by springsMachine DesignMachine Design textbookSpring losening over timeability to replace springs motorized weight distributionStatic/Deformable bodies/dynamicsCOE 2001/3001/ Dynamics TextbookcomplexityUse few motors Lifting technique Horizontal pullStatic/DynamicsStatics/Dynamics textbookCounter weight issuesHeavy frame Vertical pullStatic/DynamicsStatics/Dynamics textbookCounter weight issuesHeavy frame Vertical pushStatic/DynamicsStatics/Dynamics textbookCounter weight issuesHeavy frame Portability Horizontal collapseStatic/DynamicsStatics/Dynamics textbookRobustnessUse a higher grade material Vertical leg adjustmentStatic/DynamicsStatics/Dynamics textbookRobustnessUse a higher grade material Within Budget $500Manufacturing/testing cost/FEAMaterial pricingfew customerslower cost of material ~$100 product priceManufacturing/testing cost/FEAMaterial pricingfew customerslower cost of material Ease of use Simple designFew partsCADbreak down of partsuse few parts Use of buttonsElectronicsCircuits Textbookover voltagecheck spec on voltage use Lightweight ~7 lbsMaterial scienceMaterial science textbookheavy product hard to moveuse light weight material Ease of Manufacturing AluminumManufacturing and production analysis/FEAManufacturing booklow safety factoruse a higher grade material Carbon Ceramins Manufacturing and production analysis/FEA Manufacturing book low safety factoruse a higher grade material

Functional Requirements – Lifting Aid Functional Requirements Design ParametersAnalysisReferencesRiskCounter-measures Lifting aid Sliding handlesStatics; Def Bods; FEA COE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks; Handles will slide back in during use; Handles will not be rigid enough to support weight; Actuated sliding handles; Retractable handlesStatics; Def Bods; FEA COE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks; Not robust; Weak joints; Adjust frame to support more stress on joints Retractable supportsStatics; Def Bods; FEA COE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks; Possible retraction during use Reliable mechanism designed to prevent accidental support retraction. Enveloping designStatics; Def Bods; FEA COE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks; Possible injury when contracting the frame again; Make contraction of frame a slow process; Design with smooth edges to avoid bodily harm; Spring supported handles Statics; Def Bods; FEA; Machine Design COE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks; Injury from misuse Use springs that won't cause bodily harm from too much strength Lift design Statics; Def Bods; Dynamics; FEA COE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks; Unwanted actuation; Inury during lifting operation; Reliable mechanism designed to prevent unwanted actuation; Slow actuation process; Collapsing design (Break-A-Leg) Statics; Def Bods; Dynamics; FEA COE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks; Collapse during use; Joint failure; Injury from hinge; Good statics analysis; Testing;

Existing Products

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 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. Similarities Wheels Hand brakes Differences It lacks ability to aid user in rising from chair Does not adjust width for adaptability

Applicable Patents

Patent 1-Motorized Walker Pat No 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 button Patent No 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.

Schedule

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.

Thank you Any Questions?