Rollator With Pivotable Support Members For Adjustable Track Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheeled walking frames, or rollators, lack the ability to adjust track width while in use without the user having to remove their weight, limiting their adaptability across different surfaces and obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A rollator design featuring pivotable lower support members connected by a main pivot, with strut-type linkages maintaining rear wheel alignment in the direction of travel, allowing for adjustable track width without the user needing to dismount, and incorporating user-controlled braking mechanisms for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the track width is fixed in conventional rollators, then the structure is simple and stable, but the adaptability to different surfaces and obstacles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the lower support members pivotable relative to each other, allowing the track width to be dynamically adjusted during use. The support members can pivot between a splayed configuration (wider track) and a more parallel configuration (narrower track), enabling the rollator to adapt to different terrain conditions while maintaining structural integrity through the pivot connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the lower support structure into separate pivotable support members that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each support member to be adjusted relative to the others, providing adaptability to different surfaces while keeping the overall structure modular and manageable in complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the track width is adjusted by lifting weight off the device, then the track width can be changed, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by allowing the user to adjust the track width while bearing weight on the device. The pivotable support members are designed to be manually adjustable without requiring the user to lift their weight off the rollator, making the adjustment process intuitive and easy to perform during normal use.
3Area of stationary object
If the lower support members are splayed at maximum angle, then the standing space is maximized, but the wheel alignment in the direction of travel may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics to maintain wheel alignment stability across different splay angles. The rear wheel assemblies are connected to the pivotable support members through linkages that dynamically adjust to maintain proper wheel alignment in the direction of travel, regardless of whether the support members are splayed at maximum angle or in a more narrow configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A rollator having a variable track width that can be adjusted across a range of widths for use in operation by pivoting a pair of support members, wherein the alignment of the wheels is maintained in the direction of travel during operation across the range of track widths.