Walker, Assisted Ranger
Co-Designer
My co-designer is my dad, however the device I am designing is for his father, my grandpa. 2 years ago, he had a stroke which left him unable to walk without aid. He hasn't tried any solutions yet as he hasn't had to leave the house yet, but as he slowly recovers, it is more important that he starts moving around more independently. I am working with my dad as his dad is in India and isn't in a condition to communicate a lot.
Co-Designer Needs Statement
- Needs something lightweight
- Needs something he can put some of his weight on
- Needs to keep his wrist straight without putting a lot of weight on it
Product Requirements
- Has to be a lightweight walker for the elderly.
- Has to have an adjustable handle area.
Initial Brainstorming Narrative
I first thought of designing a walker with a seat and wheels on it so he could walk with it and sit on it if he needed to be pushed, but then further discussion made me realize it needs to help him progress towards becoming independent at walking and he also doesn't need to be pushed anymore.
Initial Prototype
Objectives
Overall Design Objective: Provide a comfortable grip on a walker to reduce wrist pain Prototype Design Objectives: See if final product is still feasible Assumptions: Co-designer will use this for several hours a day
Bill Of Materials
- Walker
- 1" PVC Pipe 2 ft
- 1" PVC 90 deg Elbow
- 1" PVC 90 deg Elbow
- 4-Pack 1" PVC 4 Way Tee
- 1" PVC Tee
Testing Plan
Most likely going to be tested on a flat surface inside the home, just for usability as the person I'm designing for is in India.
Testing Results
The walker grip was more comfortable for long term usage, however it did not reduce as much wrist pain as originally planned.
Prototype Conclusion: Able to move onto next prototype, need to adjust the padding on the walker grip.
Final Prototype
Bill of Materials
- TODO
Build Instructions
TODO
Test PlanTODO
ResultsTODO
Future Improvements
TODO
Scalability
TODO
Design Process Reflection
TODO