Detent Assembly for Mobility Aid Handlebars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latching arrangements for mobility aids, such as rollators, are difficult for users with restricted motor skills to handle due to the requirement of applying direct force to convert the latching means into the locking configuration, which can be strenuous and complex.
Innovation Solution
The latching means is driven by a pivoted rocker that is fixed by the handle, allowing for adjustable kinematic relationships between the handle and the latching means, enabling easier engagement with the locking track using reduced force, and incorporating a spring-loaded mechanism for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the latching means is driven directly by the handle, then the locking mechanism is simple in structure, but the required force is high and difficult for users with restricted motor skills to operate
Solution Approach 1:
A rocker is introduced as an intermediary element between the handle and the latching means. The rocker has a first area pivotably mounted for receiving the handle, a second area for driving the latching means, and a third area for interacting with the handle. This intermediary rocker transforms the direct force application into a leveraged motion, reducing the force required by users with restricted motor skills while maintaining the locking function.
2Ease of operation
If the latching means is driven directly by the handle, then the mechanism has low complexity, but the handling becomes strenuous for users with limited mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker serves as a mediating component that adds minimal complexity to the mechanism while significantly improving handling ease. The rocker is pivotably mounted and can be fixed by the handle in a configuration that locks the latching means, providing a mechanical advantage without introducing complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The rocker is designed to be movable during operation, allowing it to pivot between different positions. The rocker can be moved along a path with at least partially rotational movement, enabling the user to easily engage and disengage the locking mechanism through simple hand movements rather than requiring sustained force.
3Force
If a rocker mechanism is introduced, then the required force is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker is designed as a simple pivoting component with three functional areas rather than a complex multi-component system. The rocker can be pivotably mounted in a first area, drive the latching means in a second area, and interact with the handle in a third area, providing force reduction through leveraged motion while maintaining relatively simple structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design simplifies the handling of mobility aids by reducing the required force and complexity, making it easier for users with limited mobility to securely lock and adjust the handlebars, improving operational reliability and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a spring-loaded mechanism for enhanced usability
Implementation Method 2
The rocker has three functional areas. The rocker is pivotably mounted in a first functional area... A second functional area of the rocker serves to drive the latching means
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a locking arrangement for a mobility aid, in particular for a height-adjustable handle of a mobility aid, comprising two parts movable relative to each other, wherein the first part has a locking track (5) and the second part has a locking element (11) for forming contact with the locking track (5), and wherein a handle (6) is provided for locking the locking element (11) in contact with the locking track (5). To improve the handling of a locking arrangement of this type, the invention proposes that the locking element (11) be driven by a pivotably mounted rocker (14), wherein the rocker (14) can be fixed by means of the handle (6) in a configuration that locks the locking element (11) in contact with the locking track (5).