Braking System for Rollators Using Inverted Automatic Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rollators and transport chairs have a manual braking system that requires continuous operation to prevent movement, posing safety risks if the user forgets to press the brake or needs both hands for other tasks, especially on slopes.
Innovation Solution
A braking system with a mechanism where the braking part automatically engages when unactuated, abutting the wheel surface, and disengages when actuated, allowing users to walk or rest without continuous manual operation and preventing sliding on slopes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the braking system relies on manual operation, then the user can control the rollator when walking, but the user must continuously press the operating part to keep the braking system actuated, which is inconvenient when both hands are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system inverts the conventional manual operation logic: instead of requiring continuous pressing to maintain braking, the system automatically applies brakes when the operating part is released and only releases brakes when intentionally actuated. This inversion eliminates the need for continuous manual operation while maintaining safety control.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking system performs self-service by automatically engaging and disengaging based on the state of the operating part. When the operating part is released, the braking part automatically abuts the wheel surface to apply brakes without requiring user intervention. This self-service mechanism frees both hands for other tasks while maintaining safety.
2Ease of operation
If the user releases the operating part when sitting on the seat cushion, then the user can rest without continuous operation, but the rollator becomes movable and dangerous for the sitting user
Solution Approach 1:
The system inverts the safety logic: instead of requiring continuous operation to maintain safety (braking), the system automatically applies brakes when the operating part is released. This ensures that when a user sits down and releases the operating part for resting, the brakes are automatically engaged, preventing unintended movement and ensuring safety.
3Reliability
If the braking part automatically engages when unactuated, then safety is improved when seated or on slopes, but the system requires an automatic engagement mechanism adding complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system achieves automatic engagement through self-service mechanism. The braking part is mechanically linked to the operating system such that when the operating part is released, the braking part automatically abuts the wheel surface through the mechanical connection. This self-service automatic engagement eliminates the need for complex electronic sensors or control systems, maintaining simplicity while ensuring safety.
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
Ensures the rollator or transport chair remains stationary when the user is seated and automatically prevents sliding on slopes, enhancing user safety by eliminating the need for continuous manual braking.
Implementation Method 1
the braking part tightly abuts a surface of the corresponding wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A braking system is mounted on a rollator or a transport chair and includes a braking part and an operating system. The braking part is mounted adjacent to a wheel of a rollator or a transport chair. When the operating system is unactuated, the braking part abuts a corresponding wheel to avoid a rotation of the corresponding wheel. When a user wants to walk and move the rollator or the transport chair, the user can press the operating system such that the braking part departs from the wheels and releases a brake. When the user wants to sit on the seat cushion and rest, the user can keep the braking system actuated without pressing the operating system, and accordingly the rollator or the transport chair would not be slidable when sat on, thereby avoiding danger. In addition, when the user walks on a slope, the user can release their hands from the rollator or the transport chair without making the rollator or the transport chair slide down the slope.