A research group from the Signal Theory and Communications Department of Alcalá University has developed a disability walker for improving the mobility of people with motor disability. This walker includes a guide for the leg together with an electronic system, that improves the user of manoeuvrability allowing the configuration of basic actions.
This invention is part of the "Loyalty Technological Program," which has been designed by the research group to raise funds for the development and adaptation of technical aids that improve the quality of people life with motor impairments.
The group is looking for collaboration agreements with institutions or companies that want to be part of the "Loyalty Technological Program" http://padrinotecnologico.org/proyectos/instituciones/
Moreover, the group is interested in reaching license, collaboration, manufacturing or commercial agreements with technical assistance with orthopaedics, medical equipment, and health technology companies. Other kind of institutions interested in sponsoring this invention are also welcome.
New and innovative aspects
It is not necessary to perform exaggerated movements in the feet, because the walker contains a design modification transmitting the lateral displacement almost immediately to its structure, as well as a development based on flat pieces.
-It has features based on electronics which control different devices such as giving previously recorded voice messages, etc.
Main advantages of its use
-Production more economic obtained by the construction of wheeled structure with flat surfaces: the pieces are cut by a flexible cut mechanism such as waterjet or laser, therefore the most of the pieces are flat and they do not need subsequent machining.
-This structure has bars allowing the slippage of some elastics through them to facilitate reciprocal movement. These bars are joined to the child's ankles in the anteriorly part and others placed higher in the rear part to facilitate this movement.
Specifications
There are already many public or private institutions, associations or foundations that have already joined to the "Loyalty Technological Program" http://padrinotecnologico.org/proyectos/instituciones/ by signing a cooperation agreement with the University of Alcalá. These agreements do not force to these institutions or companies to dedicate resources to the program, although it is important the diffusion of it to boost fundraising.
The "Loyalty Technological Program" is supervised by a steering committee made up of ambassadors (people in their personal capacity as well as representatives of institutions committed to gain donations). These ambassadors are responsible to budget approval functions, monitoring accounts, approval of grants to institutions, and attracting funds.
Apart from the walker, there are other technical aids promoted by the program such as an electric wheelchair for children aged 2-5 years, a lectern, the adaptation of toys, a support for digital blackboard, and a multisensory cabin.
Regarding to the technical specifications of the walker, different machining processes and electronic development techniques are involved, supplementing its main functionality. The device of the invention consists of three different parts:
Wheeled structure providing stability
This structure has bars allowing the slippage of some elastics through them to facilitate reciprocal movement. This structure which provides the necessary stability has a support where the child is sitting. The walker can be adjusted to the child's height allowing to set different positions and to adapt to different user weights. The structure also carries a front bar where the child can support the hands and another one in the back allowing the adults take the child.
Harness with braces to support the child
Some braces are hanging from the harness allowing movements of feet, legs and hips. These articulated bars also support much of the children weight adapting the structure to their height in the growth stage.
Electronics that provides functions added by software.
All electronics are placed in the structure with wheels. There are wireless devices controlled by a computer, and also a wireless speaker to give messages or music.
Applications
Intellectual property status
Patent granted
Current development status
Already on the market
Desired business relationship
The group is interested in reaching license, collaboration, manufacturing or commercial agreements with technical assistance with orthopaedics, medical equipment, and health technology companies. Other kind of institutions interested in sponsoring this invention are also welcome
The Technology Transfer Office at Alcalá University serves as a liaison between the University and its socioeconomic environment in terms of research and innovation. It encorages collaboration between research groups from universities and companies/institutions, with the objective to promote and commercialize research results and scientific capabilities.
Some of the services offered by this office are specified in the following list:
- Promotion of R & D and improvement of the relationships with companies.
- Promote the participation in R & D projects applicants to public calls (regional, national and European).
- Advising, processing and monitoring of patents and other forms of industrial protection.
- Support in the negotiation of contracts and agreements for R&D&i
Create your free account to connect with Universidad de Alcalá-OTRI and thousands of other innovative organizations and professionals worldwide
Send a request for information
to Universidad de Alcalá-OTRI
Technology Offers on Innoget are directly posted
and managed by its members as well as evaluation of requests for information. Innoget is the trusted open innovation and science network aimed at directly connect industry needs with professionals online.
Need help requesting additional information or have questions regarding this Technology Offer?
Contact Innoget support
