Rollator Handle Height Adjustment with Spring-Loaded Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rollators with height adjustable handles require a lengthy and cumbersome process to adjust handle height, and users cannot memorize a desired height, necessitating repeated adjustments each time the device is used after storage.
Innovation Solution
A height adjustment device featuring a telescopically adjustable inner tube within an outer tube, with a locking assembly using semispherical recesses and a spring-loaded sliding piece to facilitate quick locking and unlocking, and an abutment mechanism to memorize the desired handle height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional height adjustment mechanism with screws and holes is used, then the handle height can be adjusted, but the adjustment process becomes long and boring requiring appropriate tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional screw-based mechanical adjustment system with a spring-loaded ball mechanism. The spring-loaded ball automatically engages with semispherical recesses at different heights on the telescopic tube, eliminating the need for screws, holes, and tools. Users simply press a release button to unlock the ball, adjust the handle height, and the ball automatically locks into the next recess, making adjustment quick and tool-free.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded ball mechanism is designed to automatically lock into the semispherical recesses without user intervention. When the telescopic tube is moved to a different height position, the spring automatically pushes the ball into engagement with the next available recess, providing self-service locking functionality that eliminates the need for manual screw tightening or tool assistance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional height adjustment mechanism is used, then the handle height can be changed, but the user cannot memorize a desired height and must repeat adjustment procedure every time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a memory mechanism that automatically recalls the previously set handle height. When the rollator is stored and then retrieved, the memory mechanism maintains the last adjusted height position through the telescopic tube's position memory feature, eliminating the need for users to repeat the adjustment procedure. The system performs preliminary positioning based on previously stored information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If telescopic adjustment mechanism is used, then the handle height can be continuously adjusted, but the locking mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent features semispherical recesses distributed at different local positions (heights) along the telescopic tube. Each recess serves as a discrete locking position, allowing continuous height adjustment while maintaining a simple locking mechanism. The spring-loaded ball selectively engages with whichever recess is currently positioned, providing both adjustability and simplicity through localized engagement points.
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
Enables easy and quick adjustment of handle height, allowing users to memorize and automatically recall the desired height, reducing the need for repetitive adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded sliding piece to facilitate quick locking and unlocking
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a height adjustment device (1) for a handle (4) of a rollator, comprising: —an inner tube (2) telescopically received in an outer tube (3), the handle (4) of the rollator being connected at the upper end of said inner tube (2), —a locking assembly (10) adapted to lock the inner tube (2) in a fixed position with regard to the outer tube (3), —an unlocking assembly (20) adapted to unlock the inner tube (2) from said fixed position.