Taylor DeYoung, Karen DeMille, Josh Mason, McKay Howell
When using a walker, the user pushes it out in front of them, causing them to hunch over. This causes strain on the back and can reduce the quality of life for an elderly user. Providing a way for the user to be mobile while maintaining proper posture is the primary goal of this design.
Users of currently available walkers also expressed the desire for these additional improvements over designs:
• Brakes should have long life and be easily maintained
• Walkers must be easy to fold and store
• The user should be able to sit and be pushed by someone else
The Millennial Walker includes design features to address each of those concerns. The ergonomics were addressed by creating a frame that allows the user to walk within the footprint of the walker and stand upright. In addition, the handles include ergonomic hand-wrist positioning. The standard walker brakes were replaced by durable band brakes that need little maintenance and do not wear out the wheel itself. A folding mechanism was designed that allows the walker to collapse side-to-side and remain stable at multiple widths. The handles were created to easily swivel to face the rear of the walker to make it easier for another person to push with the user sitting down. It is anticipated that with these four improvements over current walker designs will improve the long-term comfort and overall experience that the user will have while using a walker.