Electric Rollator Braking Control via User Load Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Electric rollators often malfunction by moving unintentionally, failing to stop when the user sits on them, and may roll down slopes when hands are released, posing safety risks for users with reduced walking ability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a detector to sense the load applied by the user and a controller to manage braking of the wheels or continuous track based on this detection, allowing the rollator to prevent movement when the user is not actively using it and adjusting braking type according to inclination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If automatic braking is implemented in the electric rollator, then safety against unintended movement is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety against unintended movementVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brake is activated in advance and automatically released only when the user's weight is detected on the support pad. This preliminary braking action prevents unintended movement before it can occur, while the automatic release mechanism ensures convenient operation when the user needs to move.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the user's own weight on the support pad as the triggering signal for brake release. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate control inputs, reducing operational complexity while maintaining safety through automatic detection and response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the rollator remains stationary when not in use, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The brake is activated in advance and automatically released only when the user's weight is detected on the support pad. This preliminary braking action ensures safety when the rollator is stationary, while the automatic release mechanism ensures convenient operation when the user needs to move.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the weight on the support pad and automatically adjusts the brake state based on this feedback. When weight is detected, the brake releases to enable movement; when weight is removed, the brake activates to ensure safety. This closed-loop feedback system maintains both safety and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If braking is performed on inclined surfaces, then prevention of rolling down slopes is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of rolling down slopesVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the user's own weight on the support pad as the triggering signal for brake release. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate control inputs, reducing operational complexity while maintaining safety through automatic detection and response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If the support pad is made movable to detect user presence, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the user's own weight on the support pad as the triggering signal for brake release. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate control inputs, reducing operational complexity while maintaining safety through automatic detection and response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 remains stationary when not in use and prevents unintended movement down slopes, enhancing user safety and confidence by accurately detecting user interaction and environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a detector (72) which detects a load applied by a part of a body of a user to a body supporter (14), or contact between the body of the user and the body supporter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLoad detection:

Implementation Method 2

an energization member may is arranged between the body supporter and the body frame, which energizes the body supporter in a direction away from the body frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergization:

Implementation Method 3

a controller (90) which controls braking of a wheel (12 or 13) or a continuous track based on the detection signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBraking: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3391869B1Electric vehicle, method of controlling electric vehicle, computer program, and electric rollator

Publication Date: 2021.06.16 NABTESCO CORP

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AI summary

Provided is an electric rollator which does not move against a user's intention. The electric vehicle includes a detector (72) which detects a load applied by a part of a body of a user to a body supporter (14), or contact between the body of the user and the body supporter and generates a detection signal; and a controller (90) which controls braking of a wheel (12 or 13) or a continuous track based on the detection signal.