TWM675768U - An assistive walking device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present utility model discloses an assistive walking device comprising a main structure, a plurality of rolling wheels, a center-of-gravity adjustment module, and a lighting module. The main structure includes a handrail and a support frame, with the rolling wheels disposed at the bottom of the support frame. At least one wheel is equipped with an infrared sensor for detecting obstacles ahead. The center-of-gravity adjustment module includes a gyroscopic sensor and a driving unit configured to automatically shift a weight to maintain balance based on detected tilt direction, and further includes an auto-locking function to prevent unintended movement. The lighting module is disposed at the front end of the handrail and features automatic brightness adjustment and an adjustable angle for directional lighting according to environmental conditions. The device also includes a voice prompt module, electrically connected to the infrared and gyroscopic sensors, to provide audio alerts when tilt or obstacles are detected, with multilingual support. The handrail is height-adjustable via a sliding lock mechanism. A battery module is installed in the main structure to power the driving unit, lighting, and voice modules. This design enhances user stability, safety, and convenience during mobility assistance.

Description

A walking assist device

This invention relates to an assistive walking device, specifically a multifunctional assistive walking device that combines center of gravity adjustment, intelligent lighting, and obstacle warning functions. It is suitable for use by the elderly or those with limited mobility, improving walking stability and safety both indoors and outdoors.

Currently available assistive walking devices (such as walkers and scooters) are mostly manual devices with a basic support structure and rolling wheels. While they can assist users in walking, they still have the following problems during use: First, they cannot actively adjust their center of gravity according to changes in the user's posture, which can easily lead to tipping over or unstable center of gravity. Second, they lack obstacle detection functions, making it easy for users to collide with obstacles in low light conditions or when their vision is obstructed. Third, if they have lighting functions, they are mostly fixed in brightness and direction, unable to be adjusted according to actual needs, and generally lack integrated prompts or safety warning functions.

Furthermore, while some high-end assistive devices incorporate electronic modules, most have single functions and are complex to operate, making them inconvenient for the elderly. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an assistive walking device that integrates automatic center of gravity balancing, environmental sensing, and intelligent lighting to enhance user stability, safety, and convenience.

To address the aforementioned issues, the present invention proposes a walking-assist device comprising: a main structure comprising a handrail and a support frame; a plurality of rolling wheels disposed at the bottom of the support frame; a center of gravity adjustment module disposed on the support frame; and a lighting module disposed at the front end of the handrail.

In the aforementioned walking-assist device, the center-of-gravity adjustment module includes a gyroscope sensor and a drive unit. The drive unit automatically changes the position of a weight to maintain balance based on a tilt direction detected by the gyroscope sensor.

In the aforementioned walking-assist device, the lighting module is equipped with an automatic light-sensing function to adjust the lighting intensity according to the ambient brightness.

In the aforementioned walking aid, the armrest is a height-adjustable structure and includes a sliding locking mechanism to fix it at a height suitable for different users.

In the aforementioned walking-assist device, at least one of the rolling wheels is equipped with an infrared sensor for real-time detection of obstacles ahead.

The aforementioned walking-assist device further includes a voice prompt module within the main structure, which is electrically connected to the infrared sensor and the gyroscope sensor and provides a voice prompt when the walking-assist device is detected to be tilted or an obstacle is detected ahead.

In the aforementioned assisted walking device, the center of gravity adjustment module is further provided with an automatic locking function, which automatically secures the center of gravity adjustment module when the assisted walking device is not being operated to prevent accidental movement.

In the aforementioned walking-assist device, the main structure is provided with a battery module to supply power to the drive unit, the lighting module, and the voice prompt module.

The aforementioned walking-assist device, wherein the voice prompt module further supports multiple languages, allows for configuration and use by users of different languages.

In the aforementioned walking-assist device, the lighting module further includes an adjustable angle design, allowing the user to adjust the lighting direction according to their needs.

100: A walking assist device

10: Main structure

11: Handrails

12: Support frame

13: Voice prompt module

14:Battery module

121: Locking mechanism

20: Roller

21: Infrared sensor

30: Center of gravity adjustment module

31: Gyroscope sensor

32: Drive unit

40: Lighting module

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the walking aid device of this invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the center of gravity adjustment module components of this invention.

The aforementioned and other technical contents, features, and functions of this invention are clearly presented below with the aid of figures and detailed descriptions of preferred embodiments. Directional terms mentioned in the embodiments, such as up, down, left, right, front, or back, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this invention.

First, please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of an assisted walking device of this invention. This invention provides an assisted walking device 100, which primarily comprises a main structure 10, a plurality of rollers 20, a center of gravity adjustment module 30, and a lighting module 40. The main structure 10 includes a handrail 11 and a support frame 12. The handrail 11 is provided for the user's hand support, while the support frame 12 supports the entire structure and carries other modules. A plurality of rollers 20 are mounted on the bottom of the support frame 12, providing the device 100 with mobility on the ground.

As shown in Figure 2 , the center of gravity adjustment module 30 of the walking-assistance device 100 is mounted on the support frame 12 and includes a gyroscope sensor 31 and a drive unit 32. When the walking-assistance device 100 tilts while walking or parked, the gyroscope sensor 31 instantly detects the tilt direction and transmits this information to the drive unit 32, which then adjusts the position of the internal weight (not shown) based on the tilt direction. This actively corrects the center of gravity distribution, improves stability, and prevents tipping.

As shown in Figure 1 , a walking-assistance device 100 includes a lighting module 40 positioned at the front end of the handrail 11 to illuminate the user's walking path, enhancing safety in low-light environments. Furthermore, the lighting module 40 may include an automatic light-sensing function. Its built-in light sensor (not shown) can detect ambient brightness in real time and automatically adjust the lighting intensity to avoid glare and conserve energy.

As shown in Figure 1 , the aforementioned walking-assist device 100 includes an adjustable armrest 11 for enhanced user convenience and comfort. The armrest 11 can be adjusted by sliding up and down along a support frame 12 and is equipped with a sliding locking mechanism 121, such as a spring-loaded positioning pin, a knob-type locking device, or a quick-release buckle system. Users can adjust the armrest 11 to the appropriate height and then lock it in place to provide optimal support, based on their height and usage habits.

In the aforementioned walking-assistance device 100, at least one of the multiple rollers 20 is equipped with an infrared sensor 21. This sensor 21 faces the forward direction of the device 100 and is used to instantly detect obstacles ahead, such as walls, stairs, or other pedestrians, and to instantly transmit a sensing signal for subsequent processing.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2 , the walking-assist device 100 further enhances user safety. The main structure 10 is also equipped with a voice prompt module 13, which is electrically connected to the infrared sensor 21 and the gyroscope sensor 31 in the center of gravity adjustment module 30. When the device 100 detects excessive tilt or an obstacle ahead, the voice prompt module 13 automatically plays a voice warning, such as "Beware of obstacles ahead" or "The device is tilting, please be careful," proactively alerting the user and reducing the risk of accidents.

To further enhance stability and safety during use, the center of gravity adjustment module 30 of the aforementioned walking-assist device 100 is equipped with an automatic locking function. When the system detects that the walking-assist device 100 is stationary, not being operated by the user, or has been idle for an extended period, the drive unit 32 in the center of gravity adjustment module 30 automatically activates the locking mechanism 121, securing the weight in a stable position. This prevents the center of gravity from shifting and causing the device to tip over, enhancing safety when stationary.

As described above, the main body 10 of the walking-assist device 100 is equipped with a battery module 14 to provide power to the entire system, including the drive unit 32 of the center of gravity adjustment module 30, the lighting module 40, and the voice prompt module 13. This makes the walking-assist device 100 portable and wireless, making it suitable for outdoor use or in locations without power.

In the aforementioned assistive walking device 100, the voice prompt module 13 also supports multi-language settings. Users can select the desired language, such as Chinese, English, Japanese, or other languages, as needed. This allows users with different language backgrounds to intuitively receive prompt messages, enhancing international applicability and user-friendliness.

In the aforementioned walking-assistance device 100, to enhance ease of use at night or in low-light environments, the lighting module 40 in this embodiment is further designed with an adjustable angle structure. Users can manually adjust the light source's angle based on their walking direction and lighting needs, ensuring optimal lighting for the road ahead, enhancing safety and visual aid.

Although the above describes the present invention using specific embodiments, it does not limit the scope of the present invention. As long as it does not deviate from the essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications or changes can be made without departing from the intention and scope of the present invention. For example, any changes, modifications, alterations or equivalent substitutions based on the technical means and scope of the present invention should also fall within the scope of the patent application of the present invention. Furthermore, the specific embodiments disclosed in this invention include multiple features that are collectively described and work together to provide a series of benefits. Furthermore, any reference to a claimed element in the singular, such as "a," "this," or "the," should not be construed as limiting the element to the singular. In other words, all equivalent variations and modifications made within the scope of the patent application of this invention are also covered by the patent application of this invention. In addition, no single embodiment or patent application of this invention is required to achieve all of the objects, advantages, or features disclosed in this invention.

100: A walking assist device

10: Main structure

11: Handrails

12: Support frame

13: Voice prompt module

14:Battery module

121: Locking mechanism

20: Roller

21: Infrared sensor

30: Center of gravity adjustment module

40: Lighting module

Claims (10)

A walking-assist device is characterized by comprising: a main structure including an armrest and a support frame; a plurality of rolling wheels disposed at the bottom of the support frame; a center of gravity adjustment module disposed on the support frame; and a lighting module disposed at the front end of the armrest. The walking assist device as described in claim 1, wherein the center of gravity adjustment module includes a gyroscope sensor and a drive unit, wherein the drive unit automatically changes the position of a weight to maintain balance according to a tilt direction detected by the gyroscope sensor. The walking aid device as described in claim 1, wherein the lighting module is provided with an automatic light sensing function to adjust the lighting intensity according to the ambient brightness. The walking assist device as described in claim 1, wherein the armrest is a height-adjustable structure and includes a sliding locking mechanism for fixing it at a height suitable for different users. The walking-assist device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the rolling wheels is provided with an infrared sensor for real-time detection of obstacles ahead. The walking aid as described in claim 2 or 5, wherein the main structure is further provided with a voice prompt module electrically connected to the infrared sensor and the gyroscope sensor, providing a voice reminder when the walking aid is detected to be tilted or there is an obstacle ahead. The assisted walking device as described in claim 1, wherein the center of gravity adjustment module is further provided with an automatic locking function, which automatically fixes the center of gravity adjustment module when the assisted walking device is not operated to prevent accidental movement. The walking-assist device of claim 1, wherein the main structure is provided with a battery module to supply the power required by the walking-assist device. As described in claim 6, the voice prompt module further has multi-language support for users of different languages to set up and use it. As described in claim 1, the assistive walking device further includes an adjustable angle design, allowing the user to adjust the lighting direction according to needs.