Design Of Walker Research Articles

Multilegged walker design—the joint torque versus workspace compromise

A machine's weight is directly related to the strength of the installed joint actuators, and it is reasonable to assume that minimizing the installed joint torques will minimize the machine weight. Unfortunately, the workspace area will also reduce with the installed joint torques; thus there must be a compromise between weight (joint strength) and workspace. Methods are presented to generate the set of static workspaces corresponding to a range of installed joint torques. In this way the relationship between the workspace area and installed joint torque can be established. A numerical example is presented which shows that a small reduction in the workspace area can lead to a substantial reduction in installed joint torque and hence machine weight.

The instrumented walker: Usage patterns and forces

Studies documenting the forces that are transmitted through a walker's frame are still scant. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pattern and magnitude of forces that are transmitted through the frame of a walker during ambulation. A standard aluminum walker was instrumented. Gauges, which were mounted on all four legs, recorded axial, frontal, and sagittally oriented forces. A custom made computerized system registered the forces during 30 seconds of data acquisition. Twelve patients with ambulation dysfunction were tested with this system. Two different usage patterns emerged from the study. One usage pattern was observed in patients who were using the walker as a mean to reduce the amount of weight transmitted through the lower extremity. The second pattern was observed in patients with severe balance problems. These patients used the walker to enhance their balance and stability. The system described allows walker usage pattern analysis. Better understanding of force distribution and usage patterns may lead to improved or new walker design.

Technical Considerations in the Selection and Performance of Walkers

The walker is a mobility aid that provides a portable base of support. People of all ages use different kinds of walkers for a variety of reasons. With the correct walker, many people stroll along at the same pace as their companion. Today, walkers are available in a variety of styles and colors and have numerous accessories. It is the purpose of this article to describe the various types and models of walkers and accessories that are available. Our goal is not to recommend or rate the walkers but to help you find the right walker. The ultimate selection of a walker will depend on a cooperative effort between the physiatrist, physical therapist, and medical equipment supplier. Before you purchase a walker you should test it out to decide if it is the right one for you. The physical therapist who supplies your walker should adjust for your height and should check the physical fit of the equipment. Moreover, the physical therapist should demonstrate the proper gait for walking. During the past few years radical changes have occurred in the design and style of walkers. We expect this trend to continue with more attractive, easier-to-use products to be introduced regularly. If you think that your walker is outdated and is not adapting to your lifestyle, talk with your physiatrist regarding alternatives. Today, walkers are as different as their users. Find the best one for you by taking a test walk in your home and community.

The Orlau swivel walker

A new design of swivel walker for the severely disabled is described which has advantages over previous types. Increased rigidity improves the confidence of apprehensive patients, greater strength gives better reliability for those with good ambulation function and a novel construction gives more opportunity for independent transfer into and out of the orthosis, besides easing the burden of those caring for users of swivel walkers.

Variable Life Insurance Product Design: Comment

The three main types of variable life insurance benefit designs have markedly different characteristics. Basically these differences stem from the manner in which investment experience is translated into changes in the death benefit. As Mr. Miller pointed out, favorable investment performance will produce larger face amounts under the New York Life design than those under the fixed premium Walker design for a substantial number of years. However, under these circumstances, the reserves under the Walker design will always be larger than for the New York Life design. This advantage is relatively minor in the early policy years but it grows to a substantial amount in the later years.

William Walker's Designs on Cuba

William Walker's Designs on Cuba