Project Overview
The overall goal of this project is to design and develop an improved prototype of the walker, that will allow the individual to walk with a more upright and proper posture. After researching multiple types of walkers that are currently on the market, our team has decided to approach this project with creativity and support for those who use this product every day. Unlike most walkers that are pushed or continually picked up, this design would wrap around the back of the user, allowing the user's weight to be better supported in a healthier manner. The walkers that are positioned in the front of the body often create a "hunchback" due to the individual feeling the need to lean forward to support their weight. Although many use the device incorrectly, this improper use can create future detrimental problems like Hyper Kyphosis, that leads to excessive curvature in the spine when constantly leaning forward. The team's intent of designing this type of walker is to alleviate the pressure off of the spine while allowing the user to walk in a more comfortable, natural position.
The initial design included various attributes that would facilitate the development of proper spinal alignment as well as establishing a level of safety and mobility. Some of which included spherical wheels, a braking system, sensors for proper placement and a foldable seat that can be released for the individual to comfortably rest. However, after multiple sketches were created through the use of Creo Parametric and Visual Analysis, the design was simplified to accommodate each aspect of the walker.
The most important concepts such as storage, safety, strength of materials and comfortability, were addressed after these designs were made. Although a sensor placed within the arm rest would be ideal to the proper placement of the forearms, the measurements taken and determined wold allow the individual to properly place their arms regardless. The ability to easily store the walker was another concern during initial design because the sides had to be able to fold in while also supporting the weight of an individual trying to stand up from a seated position. This opened the opportunity to using a thicker and stronger material, such as steel, that could withstand a heavy force while in motion and at rest. Next, the wheels were designed so that the walker could move in all directions without the user having to strain to lift the device. The rubber coated wheels were attached to rods on the legs, that could adjust the height of the walker, fulfilling the goal of proper alignment. The braking system, still under development, would allow the walker to stop if the user is going down/up an incline, as well as stopping the walker completely when in motion.
The initial design included various attributes that would facilitate the development of proper spinal alignment as well as establishing a level of safety and mobility. Some of which included spherical wheels, a braking system, sensors for proper placement and a foldable seat that can be released for the individual to comfortably rest. However, after multiple sketches were created through the use of Creo Parametric and Visual Analysis, the design was simplified to accommodate each aspect of the walker.
The most important concepts such as storage, safety, strength of materials and comfortability, were addressed after these designs were made. Although a sensor placed within the arm rest would be ideal to the proper placement of the forearms, the measurements taken and determined wold allow the individual to properly place their arms regardless. The ability to easily store the walker was another concern during initial design because the sides had to be able to fold in while also supporting the weight of an individual trying to stand up from a seated position. This opened the opportunity to using a thicker and stronger material, such as steel, that could withstand a heavy force while in motion and at rest. Next, the wheels were designed so that the walker could move in all directions without the user having to strain to lift the device. The rubber coated wheels were attached to rods on the legs, that could adjust the height of the walker, fulfilling the goal of proper alignment. The braking system, still under development, would allow the walker to stop if the user is going down/up an incline, as well as stopping the walker completely when in motion.
Figure 1: This picture displays the beginning stages of the walker.
After initial construction, the frame of the walker, as seen in Figure 1, has been welded together and riveted to attach the sides of the walker to the middle back piece. The wheels were also attached and modified to create stable legs to support the weight of the user. Although there are still minor details that need to be addressed in the construction of this prototype, our team is confident we will successfully achieve our primary and secondary goals of the project. 
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