Powered Rollator Walker with Automated Drive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual rollator walkers require significant physical effort from users, especially when navigating uneven terrain, hills, or rough surfaces, which can be challenging for elderly or mobility-impaired individuals.
Innovation Solution
A powered rollator walker with automated power drive, automatic braking, and power-actuated articulation, equipped with sensors and a control system that adjusts speed and direction based on user intent, slope, and surface friction, while also featuring remote health monitoring capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual rollator walker is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the physical effort required from the user increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated robotic system. Sensors detect user intent and environmental conditions, while motors and actuators automatically adjust wheel power, braking, and frame articulation, eliminating the need for users to physically push or brake the walker manually.
Solution Approach 2:
The walker system performs self-adjustment functions by automatically sensing terrain slope, surface friction, and user movement intent, then autonomously modulating motor torque and braking force without requiring manual user input for each adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If automated power drive is added to assist uphill movement, then the physical burden on the user is reduced, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides variable power assist rather than constant maximum power. The motors deliver torque proportional to the detected terrain difficulty and user needs, providing just enough assistance to overcome gravity on slopes while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption on level ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts motor power output based on real-time sensing of terrain parameters (slope angle, surface friction) and user state, modulating the electrical current to drive motors to match actual operational requirements rather than maintaining fixed high power consumption.
3Reliability
If automated braking system is implemented for downhill control, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system uses feedback from sensors that continuously monitor slope angle, walker speed, and surface conditions to automatically modulate brake force. The system adjusts braking torque in real-time based on detected parameters, providing safe downhill control without requiring complex manual brake lever mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If powered articulation mechanisms are added for folding, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation system uses powered actuators to dynamically assist the folding and unfolding of the walker frame. Motors provide torque to move frame segments between configured positions, enabling users with limited strength to easily collapse or expand the walker structure without manual lifting or forcing of heavy components.
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
The powered rollator walker significantly reduces the physical burden on users by providing automated assistance with navigation and braking, allowing for easier mobility on various terrains, while also enabling remote health monitoring and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of drive motors integrally mounted in the plurality of wheels
Implementation Method 2
generate a first motor current component to compensate for orientation of the walker and the resulting torque on the drive motor
Data Source
AI summary
A walker with an automated power drive system is disclosed. The walker comprises a rigid frame comprising a left grip and a right grip; a plurality of wheels affixed to the rigid frame; a plurality of drive motors integrally mounted in the plurality of wheels; and a drive motor controller configured to power the plurality of drive motors. The drive motor controller is configured to: determine the orientation of the walker; generate a first motor current component to compensate for orientation of the walker and the resulting torque on the drive motor; determine the speed of the walker; generate a second motor current to component for internal friction based on the speed of the walker; determine a user force applied to the left grip and right grip; generate a third motor current component for the drive motors based on the user force applied to the left grip and right grip; and power the drive motors based on a sum of the first motor current component, second motor current component, and third motor current component. The drive motor controller is configured to determine the user force applied to the left grip and right grip based on a measured current from the drive motors. Specifically, the drive motor controller is configured to determine the user force applied to the left grip and right grip based on a difference between a target current provided to the drive motors and the actual current utilized by the drive motors.