Rollator Joint Arrangement Securing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobility aids with joint arrangements tend to unintentionally collapse into transport configuration under unusual operating conditions, such as leaning or navigating uneven surfaces, leading to potential falls and reduced operational reliability.
Innovation Solution
A securing mechanism is introduced to fix the joint arrangement in the operating configuration, limiting its movement path and preventing unintended transfer to the transport configuration, ensuring stability through a non-positive connection and frictional forces that can be adjusted for individual user needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the joint arrangement is designed to allow free movement between operating and transport configurations, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unintended collapse under unusual operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The securing means (friction elements, clamps, or brakes) are designed to preemptively counteract forces that could cause unintended configuration changes. These elements engage before collapse occurs, applying counter-forces to maintain the operating configuration even when subjected to unusual loads like leaning or uneven surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing means are designed with adjustable friction characteristics that allow the system to dynamically adapt between free movement during intentional configuration changes and controlled stabilization during normal operation. The friction elements can be engaged or disengaged based on operational needs.
2Reliability
If securing means are added to prevent unintended configuration changes, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing means are integrated into the existing joint arrangement structure rather than being added as separate external components. The friction elements, clamps, or brakes are combined with the joint members and linkage elements, utilizing the existing structural framework to provide both movement capability and stabilization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing means utilize friction-based mechanisms that automatically engage and disengage based on the operational state of the joint arrangement. The system self-regulates between allowing free movement during intentional configuration changes and providing automatic stabilization when subjected to unusual loads, without requiring external control systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If the joint arrangement uses only rotary joints, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but reliability deteriorates under unusual operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The friction elements are designed with adjustable friction parameters that can be tuned to provide appropriate resistance against unintended movement while allowing smooth intentional configuration changes. The friction characteristics can be modified through material selection, surface treatment, or geometric design of the friction surfaces.
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 securing mechanism enhances operational reliability by preventing unintentional collapse and ensuring safe operation, particularly for users with restricted motor skills, by restricting movement and absorbing forces from unusual operating states.
Implementation Method 1
ensuring stability through a non-positive connection and frictional forces that can be adjusted for individual user needs
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a mobility aid, in particular a rollator (1) or wheelchair, with two side parts (2, 3) which are connected to each other by a joint arrangement (6) such that the two side parts (2, 3) are translationally movable between an extended operating configuration and a compressed transport configuration, for which purpose the joint arrangement (6) has two legs (7, 8) intersecting at a crossing point (15), wherein a rotatably mounted joint member (10) is arranged on each leg, wherein each leg (7, 8) is rotatably connected to one of the side parts (2, 3) and the respective joint member (10) of a leg (7, 8) is rotatably connected to the respective other side part (2, 3).To improve handling and operational safety, the invention proposes that a locking means (13) be provided on at least one joint member (10) which fixes the joint arrangement (6) in the operating configuration.