Foldable Walker Lateral Folding Mechanism and Integrated Basket
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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, with baskets that need removal for folding compromising frame strength.
Innovation Solution
A foldable walker design with a lateral folding mechanism, self-adjusting brake rod, and a collapsible basket that integrates with the frame, minimizing parts while enhancing strength-to-weight ratios, using a brake housing to protect the brake pad mechanism and allowing the basket to fold with the walker without removal.
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 handle assembly allows height adjustment for different body shapes while maintaining frame strength. The collapsible basket integrates with the frame structure, eliminating the need for separate attachment mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the number of parts while maintaining adaptability and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into modular segments including telescoping handle sections and collapsible basket components. This segmentation allows for compact folding while maintaining structural integrity when assembled. The diagonal link members are segmented to allow folding while providing lateral support when extended.
2Ease of operation
If walkers have exposed brake pad mechanisms for adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates due to entanglement risks and wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
A brake housing is introduced as an intermediary component that encloses the brake pad mechanism. This housing protects the brake components from entanglement with clothing while providing a safe interface for adjustment. The housing acts as a mediator between the user and the brake mechanism, maintaining accessibility while eliminating safety hazards.
3Ease of operation
If baskets are designed to be removable for folding, then ease of operation is improved, but frame strength and rigidity deteriorate during removal and attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The basket is merged with the frame structure through integrated attachment points and collapsible design. The basket becomes an integral part of the folding mechanism, eliminating the need for separate removal and attachment operations. This integration maintains frame strength and rigidity while allowing the entire assembly to fold compactly.
4Reliability
If walkers require two separate steps for height adjustment and brake fixing, then reliability is improved by separating functions, but ease of operation deteriorates due to time consumption and dexterity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment mechanism and brake fixing mechanism are merged into a single integrated operation. The telescoping handle assembly includes integrated locking mechanisms that simultaneously secure both the height adjustment and brake rod position in one action. This eliminates the need for two separate adjustment steps while maintaining functional reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a folding mechanism for a walker apparatus. The folding mechanism includes a pair of spaced-apart inner frame members. Each of the inner frame members has a first part and a second part hingedly connected together. The folding mechanism includes a pair of link members diagonally extending between and pivotally connecting to the inner frame members. The link members operatively connect the inner frame members together. According to another aspect, there is provided a walker apparatus having a pair of spaced-apart, foldable inner frame members and a pair of diagonally-extending link members. The link members connect the inner frame members together.