Foldable Rollator Backrest Pivot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rollator folding mechanisms are burdensome for elderly and mobility-impaired users, requiring waist bending and posing a risk of finger injury.
Innovation Solution
A foldable rollator design featuring a pivot connection between the intermediate support frame and backrest unit, allowing for single-step folding by pulling upwards on the backrest unit, eliminating the need for waist bending and reducing finger injury risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional folding mechanism with pivotally connected shafts is used, then the rollator can be folded, but the user must bend at the waist which is burdensome for elderly and mobility-impaired users
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest unit serves as an intermediary element that the user can pull to initiate folding. Instead of directly manipulating the complex shaft mechanism, the user simply pulls the backrest unit, which transmits the folding action through the intermediate support frame and pivot connections, eliminating the need to bend the waist.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a simple pulling motion on the backrest unit. The pivot connections and intermediate support frame automatically perform the complex folding sequence once initiated by the user's pull, making the system self-servicing without requiring manual manipulation of the folding mechanism itself.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional folding mechanism with exposed shafts is used, then the rollator can be folded, but fingers may be caught in the mechanism causing injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest unit acts as a safe intermediary that removes fingers from direct contact with the folding mechanism. Users pull the backrest unit instead of manually manipulating the shafts, eliminating the risk of fingers being caught in the mechanism while still achieving the folding function.
Solution Approach 2:
The hazardous exposed shafts are extracted from the user interaction zone. The folding action is transferred to the backrest unit, which is a safer, more accessible component that does not expose moving parts to user fingers, thereby removing the injury risk while preserving the folding capability.
3Ease of operation
If a complex folding mechanism with multiple shafts is used, then the rollator can be folded, but the mechanism becomes burdensome and requires significant effort
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest unit serves as a mechanical intermediary that amplifies the user's simple pulling force into the necessary folding action. This intermediary mechanism reduces the direct effort required by the user, as the backrest unit's movement automatically engages the pivot connections and intermediate support frame to complete the folding sequence with minimal force.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism utilizes dynamic pivot connections that automatically adjust and guide the folding motion. The intermediate support frame and pivotally connected components work together to convert the simple pulling motion into an efficient folding sequence, reducing the overall effort required compared to static or manually manipulated mechanisms.
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
Simplifies the folding process, reduces effort, and eliminates finger injury risks for users, making it easier and safer for elderly and mobility-impaired individuals to fold the rollator.
Implementation Method 1
the front support frame and the rear support frame to pivot towards each other, thus bringing the front support rods and the rear support rods together to move to the folded position
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable rollator includes: a main support frame including two spaced-apart front support rods; a rear support frame including two spaced-apart rear support rods pivotally coupled to the front support rods, respectively; a plurality of wheels respectively installed on the main support frame and the rear support rods for rolling on the ground; an intermediate support frame coupled to the main support frame and the rear support frame, including a front support sub-frame pivotally coupled between the front support rods and a rear support sub-frame pivotally coupled between the rear support rods, the front and rear support sub-frames being further pivotally coupled to an axle; a seat unit disposed atop the intermediate support frame; and a backrest unit pivotally coupled to the axle.