Foldable Knee Scooter 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 portable mobility solution.
Innovation Solution
A foldable knee scooter with a hinge assembly and latch mechanism that allows it to be selectively moved between an expanded use position and a collapsed storage/transport position, ensuring secure locking in both configurations to prevent accidental unfolding during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional knee scooter is designed with a fixed frame structure, then it provides stable support for users, but it becomes difficult to store and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The knee scooter frame is divided into multiple collapsible segments that can be folded relative to each other. The main frame includes a first section and a second section connected by a hinge joint, allowing the scooter to be folded into a compact configuration for storage and transport while maintaining structural integrity when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure transitions from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic collapsible design. The hinge joints and latch mechanisms enable the frame to change its configuration between an extended stable state for use and a folded compact state for storage, adapting to different operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the knee scooter is made collapsible for portability, then it becomes easier to transport, but it may become unstable or unsafe during use
Solution Approach 1:
Latch mechanisms are positioned to automatically engage when the frame sections are extended to their full length, ensuring the structure is secured in its stable configuration before use begins. The latches are designed to provide positive locking that maintains structural reliability throughout the usage period.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanisms are designed to automatically lock the frame sections in their extended position when the scooter is deployed, without requiring additional user action. The mechanical design ensures that the latches engage naturally as the frame sections are extended, providing self-securing functionality that maintains structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If hinge assemblies and latch mechanisms are added to enable folding, then the scooter becomes portable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly and latch mechanism are integrated into a single unified component structure. The latch mechanism is incorporated directly into the hinge assembly, eliminating the need for separate locking devices and reducing the overall number of parts. This merging approach maintains foldability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanisms are designed to automatically engage and disengage through the natural motion of folding and extending the frame sections. This self-actuating design eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms, buttons, or manual locking operations, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining the foldable functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A scooter comprising a 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 movable generally vertically and horizontally relative to the head stock to allow the scooter to move from an expanded, use position to a folded or collapsed position for storage.