Plug-In Wheel Assembly for Adjustable Rollator Track Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rollators designed for both indoor and outdoor use require separate models due to fixed track widths, leading to space inefficiency, high cost, and inadequate stability or maneuverability in different environments.
Innovation Solution
A pluggable wheel assembly that allows wheels to be repositioned on a profile strip, enabling adjustable track width by moving wheels to inner or outer positions, thereby altering stability and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the track width is increased for outdoor use, then stability is improved, but maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly incorporates a swivel mechanism that allows the wheels to dynamically change their position relative to the profile strip. The wheels can be rotated between an outer position (increasing track width for outdoor stability) and an inner position (decreasing track width for indoor maneuverability). This dynamic reconfiguration enables the rollator to adapt its stability and maneuverability characteristics based on the operating environment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If separate rollators are provided for indoor and outdoor use, then stability and maneuverability are optimized for each environment, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rollator is designed with a universal wheel assembly that can perform multiple functions by changing the wheel position. The same rollator frame and structure can be used for both indoor and outdoor environments, with the only variable being the wheel position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate indoor and outdoor rollators, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining optimized performance for each environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the features of indoor and outdoor rollators into a single unified device. The profile strip with receptacles on both sides merges the narrow configuration (for indoor use) and wide configuration (for outdoor use) into one structure. The locking mechanism integrates both positioning options, allowing the user to switch between configurations as needed, effectively combining two separate solutions into one.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wheels are made pluggable on both sides of the profile strip, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is segmented into independent components: the profile strip with receptacles, the axle with locking mechanism, and the wheel. The receptacles are positioned on both sides of the profile strip, creating symmetric segmentation that simplifies the locking mechanism design. Each side has identical receptacle and locking features, allowing for modular manufacturing and assembly. This segmentation enables the wheel to be easily attached or detached from either side, improving adaptability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardization.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pluggable wheel arrangement for a rollator is described, whereby the individual wheels of the rollator can be swapped around as needed. This allows the driving characteristics to be adapted to the environment in which the rollator is to be used by changing the track width.