Rollator With Reversible Backrest And Foldable Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rollators do not adequately accommodate users with reduced dexterity, upper-body strength, limited visual acuity, or cognitive capabilities, and fail to suit diverse user populations and usage patterns, particularly in terms of adjustability and ease of transport.
Innovation Solution
A rollator design featuring a frame with a seat and backrest that can be adjusted for different statures, foldable for compact storage, and equipped with intuitive handle height adjustment, brake system, and a flexible basket, allowing for customizable user support and easy transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rollator is designed with fixed features for simplicity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different users and usage patterns deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rollator incorporates adjustable features including height-adjustable handles, adjustable seat height, and foldable frame components that allow the device to adapt to different users and usage scenarios. These dynamic adjustments enable the same device to serve multiple users with different needs without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The rollator is designed with multi-functional capabilities, serving both as a walking aid and as a transport device that can be folded for vehicle storage. The seat and backrest provide both support during walking and a resting place when needed, while the basket offers storage functionality. This universal design allows one device to meet multiple user needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rollator includes adjustable features for different users, then the adaptability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rollator incorporates self-adjusting mechanisms such as quick-release latch systems for the basket, easy-to-operate brake levers, and height-adjustable handles with simple locking mechanisms. These self-service features allow users with reduced dexterity to independently adjust the device without requiring complex procedures or assistance from others.
Solution Approach 2:
The rollator is divided into independently adjustable segments including the handle height, seat height, and basket position. Each segment can be adjusted separately through simple mechanisms, allowing users to customize only the specific features they need while maintaining ease of operation through modular adjustment systems.
3Volume of moving object
If the rollator is designed for compact storage, then the volume for storage is reduced, but the stability during use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rollator frame is segmented into foldable sections that can be collapsed into a compact configuration for storage. The seat and basket can be detached or folded, allowing the device to reduce its volume significantly when not in use while maintaining structural integrity and stability when deployed for walking assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The rollator components are designed to nest within each other when folded, with the seat fitting within the frame structure and the basket collapsing inward. This nesting arrangement minimizes the storage volume while ensuring that the frame maintains its structural stability when unfolded and in use.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the rollator includes multiple adjustment mechanisms, then the adaptability improves, but the ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rollator incorporates easily serviceable adjustment mechanisms with visible and accessible components. The brake system, handle adjustments, and basket attachments are designed with external adjustment points that can be easily accessed and serviced without requiring disassembly of the entire frame, making repair and maintenance straightforward even with multiple adjustment features.
Data Source
AI summary
A rolling walker comprises a frame, a seat supported by that frame, and a backrest supported by the frame. By one approach the backrest is configured to selectively move between a first position that provides back support for a person sitting in the seat facing in a forward direction and a second position that provides back support for a person sitting in the seat facing in a rearward direction. If desired, this backrest can be comprised of a material (such as a memory foam material) that biases the backrest towards that first position when the backrest is in the first position and that biases the backrest towards the second position when the backrest is in the second position.