Rollator Brake Device with Inverted Handgrip Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rollator brake devices are difficult for elderly or mobility-impaired individuals to operate effectively, as they often forget to engage the brakes, leading to unintended movement down slopes.
Innovation Solution
A rollator with a braking device that includes a handgrip unit pivotable between depressed and non-depressed positions, connected to a brake wire unit and a stop member, allowing effortless switching between free and braking positions, ensuring the wheels can rotate or be locked as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional brake device requiring manual activation is used, then the brake can be engaged when needed, but elderly users may forget to activate it leading to unintended movement
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system inverts the traditional operation logic: instead of requiring active engagement to brake, the system automatically brakes unless actively released. The handgrip unit acts as a release mechanism rather than an engagement mechanism, so the default state is braked and users only need to actively grip to move forward.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system provides self-service by automatically engaging the brake when the handgrip is released. The spring mechanism automatically returns the stop member to engage the gear when the handgrip unit is not depressed, eliminating the need for users to remember to activate the brake.
2Reliability
If a releasing grip mechanism is used to automatically brake when released, then forgetting to brake is prevented, but it requires continuous gripping effort which is difficult for elderly users
Solution Approach 1:
The handgrip unit employs a dynamic pivotable connection to the support frame assembly, allowing smooth transition between depressed and non-depressed positions. The spring mechanism provides dynamic force assistance, reducing the effort needed to maintain the depressed position while ensuring reliable brake release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism acts as an intermediary between the handgrip unit and the brake wire unit. It stores and releases energy to assist the user in maintaining the handgrip in the depressed position, reducing the continuous force the user must apply while ensuring reliable brake engagement when released.
3Device complexity
If a simple brake wire connection is used, then the device structure remains simple, but reliable brake engagement and release cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The brake device merges multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: the handgrip unit combines the release activation mechanism with the pivotable connection to the frame; the brake wire unit integrates the cable transmission with the adjustment mechanism; the stop member and gear are combined in a single braking assembly. This integration maintains relative simplicity while ensuring reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake device is segmented into distinct functional modules: the handgrip unit (with pivotable connection), the brake wire unit (with adjustment mechanism), and the brake assembly (with stop member and gear). This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A rollator includes a support frame assembly, a handgrip unit pivotable relative to the support frame assembly between depressed and non-depressed positions, at least three wheels mounted pivotally to a bottom portion of the support frame assembly, and at least one braking device including a brake wire unit connected to the handgrip unit, and a brake fixed to the support frame assembly at a location proximate to one of the wheels and connected to the brake wire unit. The brake includes a casing, a stop member, and a gear connected coaxially to one of the wheels. The stop member is movable between free and braking positions where the stop member is spaced apart from and is engaged with the gear, respectively.