Daisy is an assistive walking system for stroke survivors developed for SWAN Neurological Rehabilitation facility in Phoenix AZ.

Problem Statement

Improve SWAN's existing assistive walking bungee system to make setup faster, safer, and easier while providing incremental adjustability.

The existing situation is on the left.  Daisy is on the right.

Problem Identified

On our first visit to SWAN we were introduced to the bungee system.  Tow bungees hang from a rod mounted to the ceiling. The bungees are clipped into a harness providing support for patients as they learn to balance and walk again. The existing system required PT's to climb a step ladder and coil or uncoil the bungee in order to adjust its length.  The continuous use of the step ladder put the PT's at risk of injury and made use of the system inefficient.

Brainstorming

Knowing we needed to deliver a usable device we focused our attention on existing products that could improve the system with little to no modification.  Drawing on my rock climbing experience after exploring many other areas we found the climbing daisy chain and saw a potential match.

Concept Testing

We adjusted the four bungees to equal lengths then connected one daisy chain to each bungee.  Using carabiners we were able to connect the harness to the system at any loop of the daisy chain providing adjustability based on the height and weight of the patient.  The PT's served as patient's in our initial testing and were able to verify the efficacy of the design.

Concept Implementation

Daisy was put into use in December of 2015.  Clip in time has been reduced by 50%.  The step ladder is now collecting dust.  Adjustments are quick and easy.  In fact it is not uncommon for toddler patients and adults patients to use Daisy back to back.  Patients and physical therapists enjoy the multitude of exercises they can perform on one piece of equipment.    

The Team

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