Rollator Stand Assembly Cam Indexing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rollators lack a stable support mechanism when in the fully closed storage position, which can lead to instability and difficulty in maintaining contact with the ground, especially on uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A stand assembly for rollators that includes a pivotable stand connected to a bracket, allowing it to move between a stowed and support position, providing multi-point support through a base and wheels, and featuring a cam surface mechanism with springs for indexed positioning and a quick-release mechanism for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a stand assembly is added to support the rollator in storage position, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stand assembly is integrated with the rollator frame through a bracket that attaches to existing frame elements. The stand shares structural components with the rollator frame, merging the support function into the existing structure rather than adding a completely separate system.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand assembly serves multiple functions: it provides stability in storage position, allows easy deployment without adjustment, and works with both wheeled and unwheeled walkers. The bracket design can attach to various frame configurations, making the solution universally applicable.
2Ease of operation
If the stand is made pivotable between stowed and support positions, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is designed to be pivotable between stowed and support positions, allowing it to adapt dynamically to different operational states. The stand can be easily rotated into position without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand assembly is divided into separate components (stand, bracket, mounting hardware) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This modular segmentation simplifies both manufacturing and maintenance while enabling easy deployment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the stand base contacts the ground for support, then stability is improved, but loss of time occurs during deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is pre-configured in a stowed position where it is ready for rapid deployment. The bracket is pre-attached to the frame, and the stand can be quickly rotated into the support position without requiring assembly or adjustment actions during deployment.
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
Enables the rollator to be free-standing on a level surface, maintaining contact with the ground and allowing for easy repositioning without adjusting the stand, enhancing stability and usability in both storage and operational configurations.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a cam surface mechanism with springs for indexed positioning
Implementation Method 2
The stand assembly includes a stand (19) and a bracket (29), the bracket being connectable to the frame, typically at a tubular frame element (22). The stand assembly is configured to support the rollator when the rollator is in the fully closed storage position. The stand assembly included a stand that is pivotable with respect to the bracket
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a rollator that comprises a supporting frame with a user gripping portion and plural rolling wheels, the frame being foldable over a range of travel between a fully open operating position and a fully closed storage position, and a stand assembly connected to an element of the frame and configured to support the rollator when the rollator is in the fully closed storage position. The stand assembly comprises a stand and a bracket, the stand being pivotable with respect to the bracket and movable over a range of travel between a stowed position and a support position. The stand is equipped with a cam mechanism that includes a cam surface and a sprung follower that engages the cam surface for indexing of the stand in the stowed position or the support position.