Mayo Clinic Walker Tips[edit | edit source]
Slide show: Tips for choosing and using walkers—Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved May 4, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/multimedia/walker/sls-20076469?s=1
- Different types of walkers listed with their corresponding purposes along with handle properties that allow for maximum customization for individual needs
- Highlights two height tests the user can do to compare with the walker to determine whether the dimensions are ideal for the individual
6 Popular Mobility Aids - EZ Walker Rollators[edit | edit source]
6 Popular Mobility Aids—EZ Walker Rollators. (n.d.). Retrieved May 4, 2022, from https://www.ezwalkerrollators.com/blog/post/6-common-types-of-mobility-aids/
- Touched on two other common walker devices and what sort of common features are expected of the design
Motion Control of Passive Intelligent Walker Using Servo Brakes[edit | edit source]
Motion Control of Passive Intelligent Walker Using Servo Brakes | IEEE Journals & Magazine | IEEE Xplore. (n.d.). Retrieved May 4, 2022, from https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/4339530
- Plays with the ideal of motorizing a walker braking system to improve performance with the addition of servo motors, sensors, actuators, motion-control algorithm, and computational intelligence
- Offers safer, higher functioning and adaptive braker
- Major concern is consistently powering the electrical components while the user is commuting with walker
A Guideline for the Design of a Four-Wheeled Walker[edit | edit source]
Finkel, J., Fernie, G., & Cleghorn, W. (1997). A Guideline for the Design of a Four-Wheeled Walker. Assistive Technology, 9(2), 116–129. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.1997.10132303
- Focuses on the safety, stability, and comfortability of seats on walkers
- three areas of instability; first when the brakes are on but sliding occurs, second when the walker experiences tipping, third when wheels roll even when brake system is engaged
- Includes charts of estimated minimum walker weight to prevent sliding and tipping
An Innovative Concept for a Walker with a Self-Locking Mechanism Using a Single Mechanical Approach[edit | edit source]
An Innovative Concept for a Walker with a Self-Locking Mechanism Using a Single Mechanical Approach—PMC. (n.d.). Retrieved May 5, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6571846/
- A new self-locking mechanism for walkers involving the use of compression springs inside the leg that when compressed, it pushes the feet pads down to the ground
Assistive mobility devices focusing on Smart Walkers: Classification and review[edit | edit source]
Assistive mobility devices focusing on Smart Walkers: Classification and review—ScienceDirect. (n.d.). Retrieved May 5, 2022, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921889011002181?casa_token=9lNqz7Zp7cgAAAAA:RcShh7SWqs8WbRBHG-66GxJCmWV29TVvwfsZCcYN653ILoQ_1ekuSeOwTYfyqFYXuzv3uJzNH0k
- Assistive devices pose a much greater fall risk on the user as opposed to not using one at all due to higher cognitive and attention required, a slower gait speed, higher induced cardio/energy consumption, and difficulty of controlling a large device if accidently slippage or tips occur
- New smart walker concept like adding motors to wheels allows safer control of acceleration and braking to minimize falls
- Incorporating a rotating handle bar can make steering easier, safer, and allowing user to better avoid obstacles
- Users experiencing visual impairment can benefit from the addition of ultrasonic and vision/infrared/distance sensors that detect danger on the path and alert users for better navigation
Mobility Device Use in Older Adults and Incidence of Falls and Worry About Falling: Findings from the 2011–2012 National Health and Aging Trends Study[edit | edit source]
Mobility Device Use in Older Adults and Incidence of Falls and Worry About Falling: Findings from the 2011–2012 National Health and Aging Trends Study—Gell—2015—Journal of the American Geriatrics Society—Wiley Online Library. (n.d.). Retrieved May 5, 2022, from https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jgs.13393?casa_token=MIT9usj3p9QAAAAA%3AaIWRMzBXf6-7grtxJysIneJ16YG4idHdHVZhquCiRS1KmG2SDeeI2ZYuGDGrvQ2vuHObuL1raReFZbz5
- Regardless if the user has a history of falling or not and if they use multiple devices, when people used a mobility device, they reported having a greater worry about falling compared to people who did not use one.
- Use of mobility could actually pose a greater risk of falling. Safety is one of the most important aspects of these devices
Rehand All Terrain Walking Cane, Foldable Walking Sticks for Men & Wowen, Pivot Tip Folding Cane with Shock Absorbing, Most Comfortable Handles Ever (Black)[edit | edit source]
Rehand All Terrain Walking Cane, Foldable Walking Sticks for Men & Wowen, Pivot Tip Folding Cane with Shock Absorbing, Most Comfortable Handles Ever (Black): Amazon.ca: Health & Personal Care. (n.d.). Retrieved May 7, 2022, from https://www.amazon.ca/Terrain-Walking-Foldable-Absorbing-Comfortable/dp/B09BJ7MY7Q/ref=zg_bs_6370904011_1/130-4638194-7598134?pd_rd_i=B09BJ7MY7Q&psc=1
- Interesting foldable mechanism that keeps all parts of a cane attached and springs out when released from folded configuration.
- A patented pivoting leg pad that allows users more mobility when cane strikes ground.
Walking cane assembly having pivoting safety tip[edit | edit source]
US5865204A - Walking cane assembly having pivoting safety tip—Google Patents. (n.d.). Retrieved May 7, 2022, from https://patents.google.com/patent/US5865204A/en
- Another patented pivoting leg pad design that can be used as inspiration if a pivoting tip were to be pursued.
6 TYPES OF PVC PIPES: BENEFITS & DRAWBACKS[edit | edit source]
6 Types of PVC Pipes: Benefits & Drawbacks | Fenwick Home Services. (n.d.). Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://www.fenwickhomeservices.com/blog/6-types-of-pvc-pipes-benefits-drawbacks/
- Outlines different compounds added to polyvinyl chloride allows for different properties and are used in a variety of scenarios. It also highlights the benefits of pvc including environmental impact, safety, durability, and affordability compared to other materials.
On the mechanical behaviour of industrial PVC pipes under pressure loading: experimental and numerical studies[edit | edit source]
Jemii, H., Bahri, A., Boubakri, A., Hammiche, D., Elleuch, K., & Guermazi, N. (2020). On the mechanical behaviour of industrial PVC pipes under pressure loading: Experimental and numerical studies. Journal of Polymer Research, 27(8), 240. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-020-02222-1
- Some material properties such as maximum load, stress, and strain at break of pvc calculated from experimental tests and numerical simulations
PVC Pipe Size Dimensions Chart[edit | edit source]
PVC Pipe Size Dimensions Chart—FORMUFIT. (n.d.). Retrieved May 7, 2022, from https://formufit.com/pages/pvc-pipe-size-dimensions-chart
- Charting a range of industry standard pvc pipe sizes (such as outer diameter, inner diameter, and wall thickness) for Schedule 40 and 80 pipes.
How to fold your rollator walker for storage or travelling[edit | edit source]
- Two types of old folding mechanisms for walker to build off of: one where it can be traditionally folded like a foldable chair, second where it is collapsed sideways.
First-Year Engineering Design Challenge: Re-Evaluation of the Medical Walker[edit | edit source]
Mohamed, A., Oyekola, P., & Tochukwu, N. (2020). First-Year Engineering Design Challenge: Re-Evaluation of the Medical Walker. International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology, 29(7), 12.
- Very similar research purpose on improving mobility walkers with information on existing walkers, which materials are good for certain parts of the walker, and potential solutions
XIRTEC PVC & CPVC[edit | edit source]
PDF where data was from: https://www.ipexna.com/media/14828/ca-xirtec-pvc-cpvc.pdf
| Diameter | Schedule | O.D. (in) | O.D. (mm) | Wall Thickness | I.D. (in) | I.D. (mm) | Product Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/4 | 40 | 1.050 | 26.67 | 0.113 | 0.804 | 20.4216 | 022633 |
| 3/4 | 80 | 1.050 | 26.67 | 0.154 | 0.722 | 18.3388 | 085111 |
| 1 | 40 | 1.315 | 33.401 | 0.113 | 1.029 | 26.1366 | 022612 |
| 1 | 80 | 1.315 | 33.401 | 0.179 | 0.936 | 23.7744 | 085114 |
| 1-1/4 | 40 | 1.660 | 42.164 | 0.141 | 1.360 | 34.544 | 022608 |
| 1-1/4 | 80 | 1.660 | 42.164 | 0.191 | 1.255 | 31.877 | 085119 |
| 1/2 | 40 | 0.840 | 21.336 | 0.109 | 0.602 | 15.2908 | 022600 |
| 1/2 | 80 | 0.840 | 21.336 | 0.147 | 0.526 | 13.3604 | 085106 |
| Changes | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Make wheels adaptable to slippery surfaces | A braking system that is reliable | |
| Customization | Create interchangeable wheels for different activities (eg. for beach, hiking, rocky grounds) | Colors, personalization through appearance as there's limited individuality for walkers on the market | Making it more stair friendly such as including a stair climbing add-on to the wheels |
| Utility | Light-weight and small so it can easily be transported | Keep the seat feature as its very useful | Removeable storage compartment |
Is PLA heat resistant? ABS, ASA, PETG and more![edit | edit source]
Is PLA heat resistant? ABS, ASA, PETG and more! – 3D Solved. (n.d.). Retrieved May 16, 2022, from https://3dsolved.com/is-pla-heat-resistant-abs-asa-petg-and-more/
- Melting point of PLA is between 160-180 degrees Celsius however the glass transition temperature is about 60-65 degrees Celsius. Using PLA for printing walker parts that will be exposed to potentially hot environments poses a risk to the structural integrity.
- Colors impact the amount of UV the PLA absorbs. Light colors better to reflect heat. PLA is bio-degradable, corrosive, and not a UV-resistant material.
- PETG is a great alternative material because it's UV resistant,
How Long Does It Take a Parked Car to Reach Deadly Hot Temperatures?[edit | edit source]
How Long Does It Take a Parked Car to Reach Deadly Hot Temperatures? | Live Science. (n.d.). Retrieved May 16, 2022, from https://www.livescience.com/62651-how-hot-cars-get.html
- Hot summer days pose a risk of heat affecting the mechanical properties of PLA which makes it a safety hazard if 3D printed parts of the walker are unreliable.
- Car temperatures can reach an average of 47 degrees Celsius which nears the glass transition temperature.
Euler's Column Formula[edit | edit source]
Euler's Column Formula. (n.d.). Retrieved May 17, 2022, from https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/euler-column-formula-d_1813.html
- Using the buckling equation for tubes given a specific end condition
Calculate buckling of columns.[edit | edit source]
| Walking Cane | Static Walker | Rollator | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2" sch 40 | 1 | 1 | |
| 1/2" sch 80 | 1 | 1 | |
| 3/4" sch 40 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| 3/4" sch 80 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| 1" sch 40 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| 1" sch 80 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| 1-1/4" sch 40 | 1 | 1 | |
| 1-1/4" sch 80 | 1 | 1 |
Methods for estimating the proper length of a cane[edit | edit source]
Methods for estimating the proper length of a cane—ScienceDirect. (n.d.). Retrieved June 1, 2022, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003999395801294
- For a practical cane, the user should experience elbow flexion between 20-30 degrees
- When measuring the length of cane, it should be from the ground to the distal wrist crease of the patient. It is calculated that the most ideal height of cane is determined by the equation: Length = Height*0.45 + 8.7cm
Human Height[edit | edit source]
Human Height—Our World in Data. (n.d.). Retrieved June 1, 2022, from https://ourworldindata.org/human-height
- Finding the standard deviation of heights for the general population used to determine the worse case scenario for testing pvc pipe length under loading
- 95% of men have heights between 163.2cm to 193.6cm
Assistive products for walking manipulated by both arms — Requirements and test methods[edit | edit source]
ISO - ISO 11199-1:2021—Assistive products for walking manipulated by both arms—Requirements and test methods—Part 1: Walking frames. (n.d.). Retrieved June 6, 2022, from https://www.iso.org/standard/76651.html
Structural Requirements: Indoor Use
- Front wheel diameter shall be greater or equal to 75 mm
- Walking frame shall be equipped with parking brakes operating on two wheels (rubber tips are deemed to be such parking brakes)
Structural Requirements: Outdoor Use
- Front wheel diameter shall be greater or equal to 180 mm
- Wheel width shall be greater or equal to 22 mm
- Walking frame shall be equipped with brakes operating on two wheels. The user shall be able to manipulate the brakes when walking
Brake Requirements
- Walking frame shall not move more than 10 mm in 1 min
- Brake performance shall not be adversely affected by folding, unfolding or adjusting actions. If readjustment of the brakes is necessary following an adjustment action of the walking frame, tools shall not be required (e.g. height adjustment)
ECONOMY ROLLATORS[edit | edit source]
Just Walkers Comparison Chart. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2022, from https://justwalkers.com/pages/comparison-chart
- The max seat height on typical rollators is 26 inches (for height adjustable ones)
- The most common seat height is 20 inches from (Must-Have Features of a Rollator Walker—Xlent Care. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2022, from https://xlentcare.com/must-have-features-of-a-rollator-walker-2/)
- Use this max height to determine the strength of a pvc pipe member holding up the seat
- Majority of rollators have a weight capacity of 300lbs, that is the goal our 3d printed rollator should achieve
