Rollator Platform with Spring-Loaded Pivot Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rollators are difficult for physically restricted individuals to handle, particularly when climbing onto or descending from, due to limitations in mobility and the need for significant leg movement.
Innovation Solution
A rollator design featuring a freely lowerable platform with spring-loaded rear wheels that can adjust height based on weight load, allowing easy climbing and descending by minimizing the altitude difference and enabling motorized assistance for greater mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the platform is fixed at a standard height, then the rollator provides stable support structure, but it becomes difficult for physically restricted individuals to climb onto or descend from
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is made dynamically adjustable in height through a lowering device that allows it to be positioned at different heights relative to the ground. This enables the platform to adapt between a lowered position for easy access and a raised position for stable support during movement.
2Ease of operation
If the platform is lowered completely to the ground, then climbing becomes easier, but the rollator becomes unstable during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The platform can be dynamically positioned at different heights - lowered for easy access and raised for stable movement - allowing the system to adapt to different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The height parameter of the platform is changed based on operational needs: lowered when access is required and raised when movement stability is needed, optimizing performance for each phase.
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 design enhances handling by allowing users to easily climb and descend the rollator, even with severe physical impairments, and enables more extensive independent movement with motorized support.
Implementation Method 1
the spring elements are designed such that they hold the pivotable rear platform wheels in a rest position above the platform when the platform is not subjected to a weight load, and in a working position below the platform when the platform is subjected to a weight load from a person
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a rollator comprising at least a frame construction, wherein one or more hand grips, at least two front and two rear frame wheels and a platform connected to the frame construction via one or more hinges are arranged on the frame construction, wherein the platform is arranged to be foldable via two lowering means attached to the frame construction, wherein the platform has two deflection elements on its upper side for each lowering means, wherein the deflection elements are each connected via a spring element to a rear platform wheel that can pivot through the platform, wherein the spring elements are designed such that they hold the pivotable rear platform wheels in a rest position above the platform when the platform is not weighted and in a working position below the platform when the platform is weighted by a person.