In this week, I have done the project title selection and my research on the previous walker used by the patient. I have also see the major problem of the patient and try to solve it by making it as my objective.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Push Walker
Figure :
Push walker (
Usually, push walkers are good for carpet area and has the big tire where it is better
for movement. Push walkers have become so popular that walkers are now offered with
many options. Some walkers have seats so the elders can take a break from the walking and
sit for awhile. The push walkers are also more stable than the lift walkers. The reason for this
is the bigger wheels and there is constant contact with the floor compare to intermittent
contact with the floor when using the lift walker. Push walkers are also easily adjust to different
floor surfaces .While the elder may have more contact with linoleum but when they do come
in contact with carpeting it can be dangerous (
Lift Walker
Figure : Lift walker
(Allegro Medical, 1997).
Basically,
lift walkers are usually four point of ground contact with two of the points is
rubber tips and it can be changing the frame with a large number of height and
wide adjustments. This walker has good stability and easy to use. Beside, this
walker is lightweight and easy to lift (Allegro Medical, 1997).
Powered Walker having
Integrated Parallel Bars
Figure : Powered walker having integrated parallel bars
(Lathrop, 1996)
This
walker is an integrated powered walker and parallel bar to provide a stable and
easy to use .This walker also to move forward according to a user need. The
user can be controls the movement of this walker by depressing a switch.
Beside, the user can also control the speed of this walker (Lathrop, 1996).
Powered
Walker
Figure :
Powered walker (Houston and Metzger, 1989).
This
walker includes a frame assembly and has space for containing an operator in a
standing position. When operators enter inside this walker, gate can be covered
and opened. This gate purpose is to operator safety. This walker has a seat which
can be adjustable either in horizontal or vertical direction. Beside that, this
walker has a switch to control the movement either forward or reverse (Houston,
and Metzger 1989).
The Problem Statement have to be clarified to achieve the objective:
Traditionally, a handicapped walker is picked up and placed a short distance ahead of the user. The user then walks to it and repeats the process. If the elders or handicapped person have to move using manual walker, they must raised the walker step by step where it is very difficult and requires more energy to the user. Using the remote sensing walker, the users only need to push the switch at RF remote control and on the walker frame to move in various directions that are left, right, forward, and reverse. It also provides photo-electric sensors and ability to detect the obstacle in front. This walker is easily park or return to the user where it only need the depressing of the switch at RF remote control and it also facilitate the user to go to anywhere without inconveniencing other people.
The objective are listed below:
- o
Reduce the energy used
of the user to lift the walker .
- o
To help user find
if they misplaced the walker.
- o
Help user to alert the
obstacle in front of them by beeping sound and at certain range, the walker will stop by itself.
- o
To develop the remote
sensing walker and should equipped with various types of component.
- o
To develop the RF remote
control to use with the walker.
