Description:
For parents of children with disabilities, extremely expensive power chairs may be purchased for children above the age of five. These chairs are generally tall, bulky, and difficult to transport. But for parents of disabled children below the age of five, there are no options on the market for chairs that will allow the child freedom to move, or means to develop cognitive spatial awareness, which is crucial between the ages three to five.
This technology is a mobility device that provides children with disabilities under five years the means to achieve self initiated mobility. With a light weight, portable frame and low cost, this device permits children to safely move on their own so as to develop cognitive spatial awareness and advance mentally at rates appropriate for their age range.
Link to news report: http://www.kcbd.com/story/34002252/new-device-from-ttu-engineers-promises-life-changing-mobility-for-disabled-kids
Reference Number: D-1349
Market Applications:
- Disabled children under the age of five
Features, Benefits, & Advantages:
- Cheap and portable
- Allows disabled children to develop cognitive skills before the age of five
- Permits disabled children under the age of five to move on their own
Intellectual Property: A US provisional patent, serial number 62431197, was filed on 12/7/16.
Development Stage: The invention has been reduced to practice.
Researchers:
- Sebastian Bahamonde, Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
- Edwin Erlbacher, Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
- Joshua Silver, Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
Keywords: power chair, toddler mobility device