Mobility Assistive Device Connecting Structure for Tool-Free Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobility assistive devices, such as walkers and wheelchairs, are cumbersome and difficult to disassemble and reassemble, requiring complex structures and additional tools, making them inconvenient for carrying and storage.

Innovation Solution

A mobility assistive device with a connecting structure featuring first and second frames, where the first frame includes wheels pivotally connected to a support, and the second frame has supporting rods and abutting portions, allowing for easy detachment and assembly without tools through slots, abutting surfaces, and movable positioning members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the mobility assistive device is made large to provide good support, then the support capability is improved, but the ease of carrying and storage deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoidease of carrying

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mobility assistive device is divided into multiple detachable frame components (first frame, second frame, third frame) that can be separated into smaller segments for easy carrying and storage, while maintaining the overall structural integrity and support capability when assembled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the mobility assistive device is made detachable to improve portability, then the ease of carrying is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of carryingVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting structure integrates multiple functions (positioning, locking, guiding) into a single unified mechanism where the positioning member works together with the slot and abutting portion to achieve secure connection, reducing the number of separate components needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If conventional detachment mechanisms are used, then the device can be disassembled, but additional tools are required and assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of disassemblyVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning member is designed to be manually operable by the user without requiring external tools, allowing the user to directly engage and disengage the connecting structure through simple manual manipulation of the positioning member along its moving trajectory

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If the connecting structure is simplified for easy assembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connection reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different portions of the connecting structure have specialized geometries optimized for their specific functions: the slot provides guiding and positioning, the abutting portion provides lateral constraint, and the positioning member provides locking, with each local feature contributing to overall connection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 quick and tool-free disassembly and assembly of the device, facilitating convenient carrying and storage by simplifying the connection and disconnection process.

Implementation Method 1

each of the positioning members includes a positioning portion, and each of the positioning portions is movable along a moving trajectory between a locked position and a released position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical movement along a trajectory:

Implementation Method 2

each of the two first connecting boards has a slot... Each of the slots is adapted to be engaged with the at least one supporting rod

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical engagement and constraint:

Implementation Method 3

Each of the abutting surfaces is adapted to be abutted against one of the two abutting portions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical abutting and lateral constraint:

Data Source

PatentUS11253410B2Mobility assistive device and connecting structure for mobility assistive device

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 TUNG KENG ENTERPRISE CO LTD

AI summary

A mobility assistive device includes a first frame including a first support and a first wheel, a second frame including a second support and second wheels, and a connecting structure including first connecting boards connected to the first support. The second support includes a supporting rod and abutting portions. Each first connecting board has a slot for being engaged with the supporting rod, an abutting surface for abutting against the abutting portions, and a perforation. Each positioning member is disposed on one the second support, and includes a positioning portion. When the slots are engaged with the supporting rod and the abutting surfaces are abutted against the abutting portions, the positioning portions are movable between a locked position and a released position. When in the locked position, the positioning portions are inserted into the perforations. When in the released position, the positioning portions are drew out from the perforations.