Natural crutch

The proposed “natural crutch” provides ambulation assistance without the problems associated with arm-supported crutches. The new crutch has an exoskeleton structure which surrounds the disabled leg and carries the user's body weight while walking and standing. The load is transferred from the exoskeleton to the trunk of the body through a harness which lifts the pelvis on the impaired side. The intention is to simulate the internal skeleton’s natural load distribution while compensating for the impairment.

The crutch design is presented as a unique concept with an outlined proposal for a marketable prototype. Results of a full scale simulator test are used to determine areas requiring further development. All aspects of design attempt to include both engineering and industrial design perspectives.