Foldable Knee Scooter Frame with Hinge and Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional knee scooters lack a collapsible or foldable design, making them difficult to store and transport, especially for individuals with injuries who need a compact and versatile mobility solution.
Innovation Solution
A foldable knee scooter with a hinge assembly and latch system that allows it to transition between an expanded use position and a collapsed storage/transport position, featuring adjustable components for user comfort and stability, including Ackermann steering for improved maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional knee scooter is designed with a fixed, non-foldable frame, then it provides structural stability and support for the user, but it becomes difficult to store and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The knee scooter frame is divided into multiple collapsible sections that can be separated and reconfigured. The main frame includes a first section and a second section that can be folded relative to each other, allowing the scooter to transition from an expanded operational configuration to a compact storage configuration. This segmentation enables the scooter to be easily stored and transported while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure incorporates dynamic elements including hinges, latches, and collapsible mechanisms that allow the scooter to change its configuration. The frame can dynamically transition between a stable expanded state for user support and a compact folded state for storage, with latches providing secure locking in both configurations.
2Volume of moving object
If the knee scooter frame is made collapsible for easy storage, then it becomes compact for transport, but it may compromise structural stability during use
Solution Approach 1:
The frame incorporates dynamic locking mechanisms including latches and hinges that provide structural stability when the scooter is in its expanded operational configuration, while allowing easy transition to a compact folded configuration for storage. The latches secure the frame sections in the expanded position to maintain stability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is segmented into multiple sections connected by hinges and latches, allowing it to collapse into a compact configuration for storage while maintaining structural integrity when expanded. The segmented design with proper connection points ensures stability during use and compactness during storage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the knee scooter is designed to be foldable with multiple moving parts, then it becomes easier to store and transport, but the device complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable frame incorporates robust latches and hinges designed to provide secure locking in both expanded and folded configurations. The latches are positioned to engage with the frame sections at optimal points, ensuring reliable locking that prevents accidental collapse during use while allowing easy manual operation for folding and unfolding.
4Length of stationary object
If the knee scooter frame is extended to provide adequate support for the user, then it improves user comfort and stability, but it increases the overall size making storage difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into collapsible sections that can be folded together to reduce the overall footprint for storage while maintaining adequate length when expanded to provide user support. The segmented design allows the frame to achieve both long operational dimensions and compact storage dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame utilizes three-dimensional folding mechanisms that collapse the extended frame structure into a compact configuration. When expanded, the frame provides adequate length and support; when folded, it reduces its footprint by folding along multiple axes, effectively utilizing vertical and lateral space for compact storage.
Data Source
AI summary
A scooter comprising a collapsible frame pivotally connected to a head stock assembly. A leg support is mounted on the frame. The head stock assembly comprises a handle bar stem having a wheel assembly attached at its lower end. There is a second wheel assembly attached to the frame assembly. The frame is collapsible to allow the scooter to move from an expanded, use position to a folded or collapsed position for storage.