Collapsible Walking Device with Gear Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobility assistance devices lack a compact and efficient storage solution, making them difficult to transport and store, and often require complex mechanisms for transitioning between operational and storage configurations.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible walking device with pivotably coupled cross bars, a locking mechanism incorporating a gear mechanism, and stabilization bars that allows for easy conversion between operative and storage configurations, maintaining stability and facilitating compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional mobility assistance devices are designed with fixed structures, then stability and support are maintained, but storage and transportation become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The walking device is divided into multiple separable components including cross bars, legs, and stabilization bars that can be independently positioned and locked. This segmentation allows the structure to be collapsed into a compact configuration for storage while maintaining stability when assembled for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic elements including pivotable cross bars, adjustable legs, and movable stabilization bars that can transition between fixed and movable states. This allows the structure to adapt between a stable operational configuration and a compact storage configuration.
2Ease of operation
If complex mechanisms are used for transitioning between configurations, then structural stability is maintained, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates a spring-loaded latch that automatically engages when the cross bars are positioned correctly, eliminating the need for complex manual locking procedures. The user simply needs to position the cross bars, and the mechanism self-locks, maintaining stability while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex multi-component locking mechanisms with a simplified gear-based system integrated into the cross bar structure. This gear mechanism provides reliable locking with minimal moving parts, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If compact storage configuration is achieved, then transportation convenience is improved, but stability during operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device includes pre-positioned locking latches and alignment features that ensure the cross bars and legs are correctly positioned before use. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the device is assembled for operation, all components are properly aligned, maintaining structural reliability while enabling compact storage when disassembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilization bars are designed to be positioned beforehand to provide additional structural support during operation. These bars can be quickly deployed to reinforce the structure, ensuring operational reliability while allowing the device to be stored in a compact configuration when not in use.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible walking device that can be disposed in an operative configuration and a storage configuration. The collapsible walking device includes handles, legs, and first and second cross bars that couple the handles and legs. The collapsible walking device further includes a third cross bar that is pivotably coupled to the first and second cross bars and is configured to maintain a fixed angle between the first and second cross bars when the collapsible walking device is in the operative configuration.