Knee Walker Front Wheel Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current knee walker assemblies face limitations in maneuverability due to rigid wheels, and swivel wheels offer limited control, making them unsafe when the ambulatory leg is not in contact with the ground.
Innovation Solution
A knee walker assembly with swivel-mounted front wheels and a rigidly mounted rear wheel, featuring a steering mechanism and a locking mechanism that allows the front wheels to transition between swivel and rigid mounting configurations, enhancing maneuverability and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If swivel-mounted wheels are used, then maneuverability is improved, but control and safety deteriorate when the ambulatory leg is not in contact with the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel mounting configuration is made dynamically changeable, allowing transition between swivel-mounted and rigidly-mounted states. This enables the system to adapt its characteristics based on operational needs, providing maneuverability when required and stability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting parameters of the wheels are changed between two distinct states: swivel-mounted for improved maneuverability and rigidly-mounted for enhanced control and safety. This parameter transformation allows the system to optimize performance for different operational conditions
2Reliability
If rigidly mounted wheels are used, then control and safety are improved, but maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel mounting configuration is made dynamically changeable, allowing transition between rigidly-mounted and swivel-mounted states. This enables the system to adapt its characteristics based on operational needs, providing stability when required and maneuverability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting parameters of the wheels are changed between two distinct states: rigidly-mounted for improved control and safety, and swivel-mounted for enhanced maneuverability. This parameter transformation allows the system to optimize performance for different operational conditions
3Reliability
If the entire knee walker assembly is lifted and repositioned to turn, then steering control is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The steering function is segmented from the entire assembly and assigned to specific front wheels. This allows only the front wheels to be steerable while the rest of the assembly remains stable, enabling localized turning without requiring complete assembly repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The front wheels are made dynamically swivel-mounted to enable easy turning, while maintaining the ability to lock into a rigidly-mounted configuration when steering control is prioritized over maneuverability
Data Source
AI summary
Knee walker assemblies and methods of manufacturing a knee walker assembly are provided herein. One concept of the present disclosure is directed to a knee walker assembly that includes a frame, a support platform and a handle mounted to the frame, at least one rear wheel mounted proximate the rear end of the frame, and at least two front wheels swivel mounted proximate the front end of the frame. A locking mechanism is operatively engaged with the at least two front wheels. The locking mechanism is configured to substantially simultaneously lock both of the at least two front wheels in a rigid-type mounting configuration.