Knee-Walker Steering Belt and Pivotable Front Wheel Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knee-walkers are inefficient in steering, especially on uneven terrain, and lack stability, making them unsuitable for individuals with ankle or foot injuries or amputees.
Innovation Solution
A knee-walker design featuring pivotable front wheels steered by a steering column and belt system, with adjustable belt tension and suspension for stability, allowing for sharp turns and reduced turning radius, and collapsible for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional knee-walker designs are used, then the device is simple in structure, but steering effectiveness is poor especially on uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two front wheels into a single steerable assembly, allowing both wheels to be controlled simultaneously by one steering mechanism. This merging approach improves steering effectiveness on uneven terrain while avoiding the complexity of independent control systems for each wheel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic steering mechanism where the front wheels can pivot and adjust their orientation in response to terrain variations. The steering column and belt system enable real-time adjustment of wheel angles, providing adaptive steering capability that maintains effectiveness across different ground conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional knee-walker designs are used, then the device has a simple frame structure, but stability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric frame geometry with strategically positioned cross-members and support elements that optimize stability without requiring symmetric reinforcement throughout the entire structure. The front cross-member configuration provides enhanced stability where needed while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is designed with pre-positioned support elements and cross-members that proactively provide stability before the device encounters uneven terrain or loading conditions. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures stability is built-in rather than requiring reactive bracing mechanisms.
3Volume of moving object
If the knee-walker is designed for compact storage, then storage volume is reduced, but accessibility and ease of use may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the frame into separable sections that can be folded or detached for compact storage, then easily reassembled for use. This segmentation allows the device to transition between a compact storage state and a fully functional accessible state without compromising either requirement.
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 effective steering on uneven terrain, improved stability, and reduced storage volume, enhancing mobility and convenience for users with ankle or foot injuries or amputees.
Implementation Method 1
The belt may have teeth and each of the two front wheels may include toothed drive cogs for engagement by the toothed belt. Alternatively a smooth belt may be employed with no toothed cogs. The two front wheels include guides for the belt. The guides may be the toothed drive cogs. The belt may wrap around, and thus contact with, each guide for more than half of its circumference.
Implementation Method 2
Each front wheels is pivotable relative to the frame about a vertical axis.
Implementation Method 3
This may take the form of coil springs, leaf springs or other such resilient members. The suspension may allow for a smoother 'ride' for the individual which may be important to prevent jarring of the injury.
Implementation Method 4
This may take the form of coil springs, leaf springs or other such resilient members.
Implementation Method 5
This may take the form of coil springs, leaf springs or other such resilient members.
Data Source
AI summary
Knee-walkers allow amputees and individuals with injuries to maintain independent movement. Their stability and steering is very important. The invention comprises a knee-walker (10) comprising a frame (20), at least two ground-engaging wheels (50) at the front, a seat (90), a steering column (70), and a steering belt (200) linking the steering column to the two front wheels, the two front wheels being steered by rotation of the steering column and consequent rotation of the belt.