Design Concept

A multi-wheel system to reinvent the movement possible on a walker!

1. Problem Definition

Why we needed to re-think traditional walkers for multi-level homes.

Limited post-surgery mobility on stairs

Many patients recovering from hip, knee, or spine surgeries are discharged with a walker, but still cannot safely use stairs. Traditional walkers provide forward stability on flat ground but require lifting or unsafe maneuvering on steps.

This leads to dependence on caregivers, reduced use of key rooms in the home, and slower recovery. The traditional walker opposes the Designathon prompt to enhance autonomy and comfort.

2. Meet the Product

A walker attachment inspired by warehouse stair dollies, adapted for medical recovery.

Stair Walker Attachment

Our design adapts the mechanics of a three-wheel warehouse stair dolly into a medical mobility attachment that fits standard walkers — both with and without front wheels. Instead of replacing existing components, the QuinLift system attaches securely to the walker’s legs and uses a rotating five-wheel cluster to convert the user’s forward push into smooth upward motion, helping the walker glide safely up each stair riser.

The unit mounts onto a standard walker frame to ensure compatability with existing products.

3. Key Features

The core mechanics that make stair use safer and more autonomous.

5-Wheel Cluster

The multiple wheel system supports forward force into vertical lift assistance, reducing upper-body strain and eliminating the "clank" of traditional walker wheels.

Universal Walker Mount

Adjustable bracket system allows attachment to standard at-home walkers, enabling rapid adoption without buying a full new frame.

Back-leg Adjustment

QuinLift’s adjustable back-leg mechanism automatically levels the walker on uneven or sloped surfaces. This feature ensures stability and balance as users transition between stairs and flat ground.

4. Intended Use

Designed for post-surgical patients in multi-level homes, QuinLift assists safe stair navigation by providing mechanical lift support through a passive, five-wheel walker attachment.

Primary users

Post-surgical patients (hip, knee, spine, some abdominal) cleared for partial weight-bearing who live in multi-level homes and currently rely on caregivers to climb stairs.

Environments

Indoor residential stairs (typical 6–8 inch rise), rehab centers simulating home conditions, and hospital discharge training where stair traversal is evaluated.

5. Design rationale & future improvements

Balancing safety, manufacturability, and patient comfort.

Why a multi-wheel mechanical solution?

We chose a multi-wheel mechanical solution to provide smooth, reliable stair movement without motors or complex systems, keeping QuinLift affordable, lightweight, and easy to maintain for home recovery.

Future improvements

Future improvements include testing different spring constants, adding rubberized stair-contact points, and refining the lock for one-handed operation.

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Image Generated with Google Gemini AI