Enhanced Knee Walker with Advanced Stability Control
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved knee walker with four-wheel steering featuring advanced stability control systems, self-balancing mechanisms, and enhanced user interfaces to provide greater maneuverability, safety, and user experience.
Background and Problem Solved
The original knee walker with four-wheel steering patent, while providing improved maneuverability, still has limitations in terms of stability, particularly at higher speeds or on uneven terrain. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by integrating advanced stability control systems, self-balancing mechanisms, and enhanced user interfaces to ensure optimal stability, balance, and user experience.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced knee walker features a dynamic stability control system that adjusts the steering angle of the front and rear wheels in response to changes in the user's speed and direction. This is achieved through a sophisticated algorithm that processes data from sensors monitoring the user's speed, direction, and balance. Additionally, the knee walker incorporates a self-balancing mechanism that adjusts the height and angle of the knee walker to maintain optimal stability and balance. The steering system is integrated with a user-friendly interface that provides real-time feedback on the user's speed, direction, and stability, enabling the user to make informed decisions while navigating. Furthermore, the rear axle assemblies are connected by a flexible linkage mechanism that allows for independent movement of the rear wheels, improving traction and stability on uneven terrain.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce several novel features that distinguish the enhanced knee walker from the original patent. The dynamic stability control system, self-balancing mechanism, and integrated user interface provide a significant improvement in stability, maneuverability, and user experience, making the enhanced knee walker a substantial advancement over the prior art.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the enhanced knee walker could include the use of different sensor types, such as gyroscopes or accelerometers, to monitor the user's balance and speed. Additionally, the self-balancing mechanism could be implemented using alternative technologies, such as hydraulic or pneumatic systems. The user interface could also be modified to provide auditory or tactile feedback in addition to visual feedback.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced knee walker has significant commercial potential in the healthcare and mobility industries, particularly among individuals recovering from injuries or surgery. The improved stability and maneuverability features make it an attractive option for users seeking a more comfortable and safe mobility solution. The target market includes hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and mobility aid retailers.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61H3/04 |
| B | B62 | B62K5/003 |
| B | B62 | B62K25/02 |
| A | A61 | A61H2003/005 |
| A | A61 | A61H2003/046 |
| B | B62 | B62K2025/025 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Mobility assistive devices, specifically knee walkers and ambulatory support systems for individuals with lower limb injuries, encompassing mechanical design, biomechanical engineering, and assistive technology
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in mobility aids, familiar with biomechanical principles, four-wheel steering mechanisms, and adaptive mobility technologies, typically holding a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering or related field
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the enhanced stability control and dynamic steering mechanisms represent predictable improvements to the foundational four-wheel steering knee walker design. The proposed variations leverage known sensor technologies and mechanical control systems to address inherent limitations in mobility and user experience. These extensions would be considered logical progressions of the source patent's core technical principles, utilizing standard engineering problem-solving approaches.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,485 |
|---|---|
| Title | Knee walker with four-wheel steering |
| Assignee(s) | ROVER MOBILITY, LLC |