Walking Assistance Device
- Technology Benefits
- Makes walking uphill more energy efficientAllows the user to descend down a hill with more slowed and controlled motionsLowers userΓÇÖs energy expenditure during movement on a level surfaceTip can be actively changed automatically or manually by modifying the spokelengths according to environmental conditions
- Technology Application
- Crutches, walkers
- Detailed Technology Description
- This invention replaces the constant radius tip of a conventional device with a non-constant radius curved tip that changes with swinging position.Since on a flat surface a shape always rolls towards decreasing radius, this tip can be made so that the userΓÇÖs swing is assisted (bigger to smaller radius) or resisted(smaller to bigger radius). Such a tip makes walking uphill more energy efficient while allowing the user to descend down a hill with more slowed down andcontrolled motions. Notably, the non-constant radius can also assist the user as he or she walks on a level surface by lowering the userΓÇÖs energy expenditure duringmovement. The radius of the curved tip can also be actively changed automatically or manually by modifying spoke lengths in response to environmental conditions.Moreover, the curvature can be selected to assist the user in standing upright or even enable the device to stand upright by itself without falling over when released.
- *Abstract
-
University of South Florida have developed a walking assistance device comprisinga non-constant radius that changes with swinging position.
- Country/Region
- USA
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