Reciprocating Rollator With Independent Sliding Side Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rollators do not effectively facilitate reciprocating motion for users with walking disabilities, limiting their ability to efficiently move forward and turn, as they rely on manual effort and lack mechanisms for assisted stability and braking.
Innovation Solution
A reciprocating rollator design featuring independently sliding side frames coupled to a central platform via track mechanisms, with manual and automatic brake systems to assist users in moving forward and turning, allowing for efficient translation and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional rollators with fixed side frames are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but user mobility and turning efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rollator frame is segmented into a central platform and two independently movable side frames. Each side frame can reciprocate relative to the central platform along track mechanisms, allowing independent motion that enhances user mobility while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The side frames transition from a fixed configuration to a dynamic reciprocating configuration. The track mechanisms with sliders enable the side frames to move back and forth relative to the central platform, providing adaptive mobility that responds to user needs while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If manual braking only is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but user control and stability during reciprocating motion are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system merges manual and automatic braking mechanisms into a unified system. Manual brakes on the handles provide user-controlled stopping, while automatic brakes on the wheels provide passive stability and assist reciprocating motion, creating a redundant and reliable braking system that enhances control without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic brake mechanism on the wheels provides self-service braking functionality. When a side frame reaches the end of its reciprocating stroke, the automatic brake engages to halt motion without requiring additional user input, thereby improving control reliability while minimizing the operational burden on the user.
3Ease of operation
If side frames are fixed relative to the platform, then structural stability is maintained, but turning radius and maneuverability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented into independently movable side frames that can reciprocate relative to the central platform. This segmentation allows the outer side frame to extend forward during turns, reducing the turning radius and improving maneuverability while the track mechanisms maintain structural stability through constrained motion paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The side frames transition from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic reciprocating configuration. During turning maneuvers, the side frames can extend and retract along the track mechanisms, providing the necessary dynamic adjustment for tight turns while maintaining overall structural stability through the guided reciprocating motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A rollator having a first side frame and a second side frame; the first side frame comprising a first side frame intervening structural portion; the second rolling side frame comprising a second side frame intervening structural portion; a central platform having a first platform side and a second platform side; and first and second track mechanisms respectively coupling the first and second side portions to the first and second platform sides of the central platform; the first and second track mechanisms permitting independent movement of said first and second side frames relative to said central platform.