This week, the main objective was to research and contact various companies about the list of materials comprised for building the modified walker. This list included:
- aluminum- metal framing and structure
- foam padding- back rest, arm rests
- wheels- spherical wheels
- joints- locking hinge
- various mechanical hardware
After further research of the different types of wheels that could be used to move in all directions, a caster made of aluminum or thick plastic will be molded around the wheel.
The piece on top will be used as part of a braking system to stop the walker, as fail-safe. On the arm rests, a button will be pressed allowing a rubber stopper to rest on the wheel safely.
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| This figure displays the potential wheel design that is intended to be used on the front and back legs of the walker. |
Various locking hinges were addressed to use for the swinging mechanism that would function in the aspect of getting into the walker as well as how easily it folds/stores.
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| This figure displays a locking hinge mechanism that could be used for the sides of the walker. |
The flexibility of this hinge will allow one side to completely open horizontally, allowing the user to enter the walker with ease. While the pictured joint locks in multiple places, the team's joint will only need to lock in one place.
The majority of the outside group work involved researching materials, necessary hardware and planning out the design process to successfully create an improved prototype of the walker.
