Adjustable Rollator Handlebars With Anti-Wobble Push-Rod Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telescope bar assemblies in devices like rollators suffer from poor stability due to single-point engagement, leading to wobbling of the outer tube relative to the inner tube.
Innovation Solution
The rollator with adjustable handlebars employs an extendable bar assembly with an outer tube and inner tube, utilizing a secure seat, push rod, push block, resilient members, and an operation member to achieve stable engagement through multiple recess portions, enhancing the engagement area and preventing wobbling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional telescope bar assembly uses single-point engagement with a resilient ball, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the engagement area is small causing the outer tube to wobble and resulting in poor stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single-point engagement into multiple engagement points by providing several positioning holes spaced apart in the outer tube and corresponding recess portions in the inner tube. The push rod engages with one of these recess portions, creating multiple potential engagement locations along the telescopic bar assembly, thereby increasing stability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point engagement to multi-point engagement by adding spatial distribution of engagement points along the length of the tubes. The positioning holes are arranged in a specific pattern (e.g., circular or linear array) rather than a single location, effectively utilizing the dimensional space available in the telescopic structure to improve stability.
2Ease of operation
If the resilient ball engages only one positioning hole, then the adjustment mechanism is simple to operate, but the small engagement area causes wobbling and reduces positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into multiple discrete engagement points (positioning holes and recess portions) rather than relying on a single engagement point. This segmentation allows the push rod to engage with any one of several predetermined positions, improving positioning accuracy while keeping the operation mechanism simple through the resilient ball's natural spring action.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient ball automatically performs the positioning function by engaging with the recess portions at the appropriate positions. The spring-loaded nature of the resilient ball allows it to self-adjust and maintain engagement with the positioning holes without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving precision.
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
The solution provides stable and ergonomic adjustments, ensuring the handlebars remain securely positioned, suitable for users of varying heights, thereby improving user comfort and device stability.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one resilient member is resiliently pressed, is disposed between the push rod and the push block, and is able to resiliently bias the push rod to move toward the inner tube for engaging one of the plurality of recess portions of the inner tube
Data Source
AI summary
A rollator includes a frame unit and two handlebar units. The frame unit includes a main body, and two adjustable bar devices. Each adjustable bar device includes an extendable bar assembly and an adjustment unit. The extendable bar assembly includes an outer tube that has an open groove, and an inner tube that is extendable and retractable relative to the outer tube, and that has multiple recess portions. The adjustment unit includes a secure seat, a push rod, a push block, at least one resilient member and an operation member. The secure seat has an opening, and a recess space spatially communicating with the opening and overlapping the open groove. A length of the push rod in a second direction is greater than a width of the push rod in a third direction. The push rod is pressed to engage one of the recess portions.