Folding Walker Frame Segmentation for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional walkers are bulky and difficult to store and transport due to their large size and design, which limits their use in vehicles and home storage.
Innovation Solution
A foldable and collapsible walker design that compresses both width and height, utilizing joints and braces to facilitate easy folding and collapsing, allowing for compact storage and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional Zimmer frame walker is used, then the user receives adequate support and stability, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to store and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The walker frame is divided into multiple collapsible sections with joints at strategic locations, allowing the single rigid structure to be segmented into foldable segments that can be collapsed together while maintaining structural integrity during use
Solution Approach 2:
The walker incorporates movable joints and collapsible mechanisms that transition the structure from a rigid static form during use to a compact dynamic collapsed form for storage, enabling the device to adapt its volume based on operational needs
2Ease of operation
If the walker frame is made large and bulky to provide adequate support, then the user receives necessary stability, but the device becomes difficult to fit into vehicles and storage spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The walker employs three-dimensional collapsible folding mechanisms that reduce the device's footprint across multiple dimensions, allowing it to compress from a wide U-shape into a compact form that fits various storage configurations including vehicle trunks, backseats, and overhead compartments
3Ease of manufacture
If the walker is designed to be simple and inexpensive, then the device remains effective and affordable, but it lacks foldable and collapsible features for easy transport
Solution Approach 1:
The walker uses multiple standardized joints and connection points distributed throughout the frame structure, allowing the segmented components to be manufactured using simple, cost-effective processes while enabling complex folding and collapsing functionality when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The joints and connection mechanisms are designed with universal applicability across different frame configurations, allowing the same basic components to serve multiple functions including structural support, folding articulation, and collapsing mechanisms, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving portability
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
Enables convenient storage in vehicles and home spaces, enhancing mobility and usability by reducing the walker's bulk, making it easier to transport and store while maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a folding walker that folds and collapses
Data Source
AI summary
A folding walker is provided, including methods of using the folding walker. The folding walker includes two side members. Each of the side members includes a leg assembly; a handle assembly; and two first joints coupled between the leg assembly and the handle assembly. The folding walker also includes a front member. The front member includes a horizontal member having a first portion and a second portion; and a second joint coupled between a first end of the first portion and a first end the second portion, wherein a second end of the first portion is rotatably coupled to one side member and a second end of the second portion is rotatably coupled to the other side member.