Structural Analysis and Mass Optimization of Mobility Walkers Using Lightweight Polymer Matrix Composites

This study investigates the structural performance and mass optimization of traditional walkers by comparing aluminum alloy and polymer matrix composites (PMCs) through advanced finite element analysis (FEA) using the ANSYS simulation platform.The FEA results reveal that peak stress, reaching 251.9 MPa, is concentrated at the front wheel support region, highlighting a critical area prone to structural vulnerability.Special attention is required to address potential mechanical limitations in key zones, such as the rear suspension, to prevent premature failure.Comparative analysis demonstrates that walkers fabricated from carbon-epoxy PMCs offer superior stiffness, reduced weight, and enhanced resistance to deformation compared to aluminum alloy counterparts.Notably, under descent conditions, the maximum elastic strain in the carbon-epoxy walker reaches 0.00399 mm/mm, localized in the front wheel support area, as indicated by the simulation results.These findings underscore the significant role of material selection in improving structural integrity and performance across varying operational conditions.The equivalence of stress and strain energy distributions further substantiates the advantages of composite materials over conventional alloys, suggesting that PMCs enable enhanced durability without compromising weight efficiency.The research emphasizes a human-centred approach, aligning material performance with user needs to develop mobility aids that offer long-term structural reliability.Beyond addressing immediate structural concerns, the findings lay the groundwork for future studies involving optimization algorithms and the exploration of alternative composites for assistive devices.The study provides valuable insights into stress distribution, deformation behaviour, and mechanical response, promoting continuous innovation in the design and development of mobility aids.