Detachable Rollator Wheelchair for Lightweight Mode Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rollator-wheelchair combinations are excessively heavy due to permanent features like footrests, back support, and handles, making them cumbersome for conversion between rollator and wheelchair modes without compromising either function.
Innovation Solution
A rollator wheelchair design featuring detachable chair sections, a hinge construction for easy folding and unfolding, and a footrest attachment mechanism that allows for seamless conversion between rollator and wheelchair modes, along with adjustable handles and a frame with hollow profiles for secure bolt attachment, ensuring both modes of operation are accessible without hindering the other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If permanent features like footrests, back support, and handles are equipped in rollator-wheelchair combinations, then both rollator and wheelchair functions are supported, but the device becomes excessively heavy and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The chair assembly is divided into detachable components (seat, back support, footrests) that can be removed when not needed. This segmentation allows the device to function as a lightweight rollator when the chair sections are detached, while providing full wheelchair functionality when attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static configuration with permanent features to a dynamic system where chair components can be attached or detached based on operational needs. This dynamic adaptability allows optimization of weight for each specific function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all features for both rollator and wheelchair modes are permanently equipped, then both modes of operation are supported, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chair assembly is segmented into separate detachable components rather than being permanently integrated. This reduces structural complexity by eliminating unnecessary permanent features for each mode while maintaining full functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable chair sections serve multiple purposes: providing wheelchair seating when attached, and being stored or removed when rollator function is needed. This universal design reduces overall device complexity by using the same components for different operational modes.
3Weight of moving object
If detachable chair sections are provided, then weight and complexity are reduced, but the reliability of conversion between modes may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment and detachment mechanisms are designed and pre-positioned on the frame before use. Quick-release connectors and alignment features are built into the structure in advance, ensuring reliable and consistent conversion between modes without requiring complex assembly procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A rollator wheelchair is provided comprising a frame provided with at least two wheels, a first chair section mounted to the frame and a second chair section mounted to the frame, the first chair section comprising a back support and a first seat portion, and the second chair section comprising a second seat portion, wherein the first and second chair sections provide a seating arrangement, wherein the first chair section is detachable and wherein the second chair is arranged such that when the first chair section is detached a free walking space is present between the at least two wheels.