Foldable Walker Frame With Enclosed Brakes and Lateral Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable walkers are often bulky, prone to entanglement, and have safety concerns due to exposed brake mechanisms, require many parts leading to high manufacturing costs, and lack robustness and lateral support, making them less manageable and less safe.
Innovation Solution
A foldable walker design with a self-adjusting brake rod, fully enclosed brake housing, and a collapsible basket that folds laterally with fewer parts, enhancing strength-to-weight and strength-to-number-of-parts ratios, and providing improved stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If walkers have many parts to accommodate variety of body shapes and provide strong frame, then frame strength and adaptability are improved, but manufacturing costs increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The walker frame is designed with adjustable components that serve multiple functions. The telescoping handlebars provide both height adjustment for different body shapes and structural support. The folding mechanism serves both portability and structural reinforcement purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate parts while maintaining adaptability and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple structural elements into integrated components. The frame members are designed to serve both as support structures and as mounting points for brakes, baskets, and other accessories. The braking mechanism is integrated into the frame structure rather than being a separate assembly, reducing overall part count while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If walkers have exposed brake pad mechanisms for adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates due to entanglement with user clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The brake adjustment mechanism is nested within the frame structure. The brake pads are housed inside the frame tubes, with adjustment mechanisms accessible through openings or removable covers. This nesting protects the brake components from clothing entanglement while maintaining adjustability through designed access points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary structures such as protective covers or housings that mediate between the brake adjustment mechanism and the user's clothing. These intermediaries allow adjustment to be performed while preventing direct contact between loose clothing and the moving brake components.
3Ease of operation
If brake pad connecting and adjusting means protrude outwards for user adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to breaking and wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The brake pad connecting and adjusting means are nested within protective housings or frame structures. This nesting protects the threaded connections and adjustment mechanisms from external damage, wear, and stripping while allowing controlled access for adjustment. The protective enclosures prevent contaminants from degrading the adjustment mechanisms.
4Ease of manufacture
If walkers require two separate steps for adjusting telescoping tubes and fixing brake rod, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to time consumption and dexterity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the telescoping tube adjustment mechanism with the brake rod fixation mechanism into a single integrated operation. The brake rod is attached to the telescoping handlebar such that adjusting the handlebar height simultaneously positions the brake rod. This combined mechanism eliminates the need for separate adjustment steps while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through integrated component design.
5Adaptability or versatility
If walkers fold from front to back to accommodate baskets, then basket compatibility is improved, but strength and rigidity of frame deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The walker employs a dynamic folding mechanism that maintains structural rigidity during use and enables compact folding when needed. The frame includes reinforced joints and bracing that provide lateral stability during walking, while the folding mechanism allows the frame to collapse in a controlled manner. Baskets are designed to detach or fold with the walker, maintaining frame integrity during the folding process.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a walker apparatus having a pair of upright, spaced-apart elongate members. Each elongate member includes an upper end for placing one's hands and a lower end spaced-apart from the upper end. A first pair of ground-engaging wheels are rotatably mounted to the elongate members at the lower ends. The apparatus includes a pair of support members that are spaced-apart and arc-shaped. The support members align respectively with and extend from the elongate members to distal ends of the support members. The support members have apexes extending towards the upper ends of the elongate members. A second pair of ground-engaging wheels operatively connect to the distal ends of the support members. The apparatus includes a seat for resting connecting to the apexes of the support members, the support members thereby supporting the seat.