StaySteady

Para qué sirve

StaySteady is a walking aid, made for aging individuals and those with mobility restrictions, that uses a suction-based stabilizer system to grip onto surfaces, providing enhanced safety and stability to prevent slip and falls during everyday use.

Qué te inspiró

Our inspiration came from real conversations with elderly individuals and healthcare professionals. We heard multiple accounts of near-falls or injuries caused by walkers slipping on tiled or wet hospital floors. This problem struck a chord with us. One caregiver shared how her father fell even with a walker due to a lack of traction. That led us to reimagine the walking aid—not just as a support tool, but as an active stabilizer. Drawing on industrial suction tools and bike mechanics, we explored how suction technology could offer safety without sacrificing mobility or comfort. That idea became the seed of StaySteady.

Cómo funciona

The StaySteady walking frame incorporates a manually activated suction stabilization system. When the user applies downward force through the handle, a built-in vacuum system draws air through a connected tube, causing the suction cups at the base to grip the ground. This anchoring prevents lateral slipping, particularly on wet or smooth floors. The ergonomic handle has been designed to disengage the suction easily—by shifting body weight or pushing a lever—so the user can move the walker naturally. This passive mechanical system requires no electricity or motors and is built entirely with accessible components like fish tank tubing and mini plungers. Its intuitive interface makes it suitable even for elderly users with limited grip strength or mobility, ensuring both safety and usability.

Proceso de diseño

The StaySteady project began with research involving hospitals, hospices, and users to identify the most critical shortcomings of conventional walking frames. Brainstorming generated multiple ideas, including rack-and-pinion systems, rear brakes, and vacuum suctions. Three concepts emerged: suction cup only, suction + rack-and-pinion, and suction + tubing. After structured concept scoring, we selected the suction + tubing model for its simplicity, effectiveness, and ease of integration. The first prototype used a large toilet plunger and wide tubing. Although it secured well to surfaces, it was impractical in size and hard to integrate. Our second iteration used smaller tubing (5mm OD fish tank tubes) and a mini plunger, allowing full integration into the walker frame. The handle mechanism was redesigned for ergonomic comfort, evolving from a stiff rubber-push concept to a smooth-sliding slot system. Continuous testing guided these improvements. The final prototype is safe, portable, and provides noticeable stability enhancement.

Qué lo hace diferente

StaySteady differs from conventional walkers by introducing a smart, passive suction-based stabilizer system. Unlike most walking aids that only offer static support, our design actively anchors the walker to the ground using suction cups triggered by user weight. This prevents slipping on surfaces like tiles, which traditional walkers struggle with. The handle system is ergonomically designed to both engage and disengage the suction, making it intuitive even for users with reduced grip strength. Other products do not combine active stability and user-triggered control in a lightweight, low-cost format. This innovation bridges the gap between full mobility and safety for elderly users, especially in indoor environments prone to accidents.

Planes para el futuro

The next phase involves integrating Clingcup Technology to ensure consistent suction performance across all floor types, including wet or rough surfaces. We aim to improve the ergonomics of the handle further and use biodegradable materials for a sustainable product. Two additional suction cups may be added to the rear legs for better fall protection. Our ultimate goal is to refine the prototype for mass production and pilot trials in eldercare facilities to validate its commercial and social value.

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