1. SILVER B
SKETCH MODEL PRESENTATION
mobility

2. Problem: Current walkers consist of stationary structures that limit mobility or wheeled structures that pose a safety risk.

3. Existing Walkers Standard, 2-wheeled and 4-wheeled
Rollators with squeeze brakes
Nova Mighty Mack
$360
Dolomite Legacy
$280
Cost: up to $600

4. Market Data 13% US population aged 65+  20% in year 2030
Source: The US. Department Administration on Aging (aoa.gov)
8.2% population aged 65+ have mobility limitations
1.8M walker users in the US
Source: National Health Survey Interview on Disabilities (cdc.gov/nchs)
8x more low-income users than high-income users
50% walkers paid for by insurance companies
Source: National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (2000). “Mobility Device Use in the United States”
A person whose family income is 10K or less is more than 8 times as likely to be a walker user than a person whose family income is 35K or more

5. Customer Feedback
seniors lack feeling of safety when using assistive devices
tennis balls often used on 2-wheeled walkers due to mobility limitations
wheeled walkers improve mobility but limit safety: “Walker slid away causing patient to fall and break hip.”
Source:US Food and Drug Administration, MDR database (accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfMDR/Search. cfm)

6. A Rolling Walker with fall-activated,
Our Proposed Solution
A Rolling Walker with fall-activated,
push-down brakes

7. Possible Braking Mechanisms: Lever

8. Possible Braking Mechanisms: Pulley

9. Possible Braking Mechanisms: Rack & Pinion

10. Our Sketch Model Experiment
User operates a walker and simulates a fall
The force applied to walker is measured by force plates and recorded

14. Average Forces Exerted by Four Users During a Fall
Force [N]
Loads are significantly larger while falling than during normal use

15. Conclusions A mechanical push-down braking system is feasible
Presents an exciting solution to the safety risks of rolling walkers