Collapsible Walker Bracket for Lateral Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible wheeled walkers and rollators lack a robust support mechanism in the deployed configuration, leading to lateral instability, and existing folding mechanisms do not securely hold the sides in place, compromising stability and weight support for users.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible wheeled walker with a folding mechanism that includes releasably engageable brackets to securely hold the sides in place when deployed, utilizing an X-folder apparatus with nested friction surfaces and latches to maintain stability and support user weight during upright walking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a collapsible folding mechanism is used to reduce weight, then the device becomes lighter and more portable, but the structural stability and resistance to lateral deformation in the deployed configuration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested bracket system where brackets are positioned within the folding mechanism structure. These brackets nest within the deployed configuration of the folding mechanism, providing internal support without adding external complexity. The brackets are integrated into the existing structural elements, allowing the mechanism to maintain both collapsibility and stability through nested structural layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism is divided into multiple segments including side frames, cross members, and integrated brackets. Each segment can move independently during collapse but connects to form a stable triangular framework when deployed. The segmentation allows the structure to be lightweight and collapsible while maintaining rigidity through the interconnected bracket and member system in the deployed state.
2Device complexity
If simple lateral stops are used to hold the folding mechanism in place, then the device remains simple and lightweight, but the ability to resist lateral deformation and provide fixed support deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system introduces asymmetric structural elements within the symmetric folding mechanism. The brackets are positioned at specific locations on the inner sides of the side frames, creating an asymmetric support pattern that targets lateral deformation forces. This asymmetric bracket placement provides enhanced resistance to lateral deformation while maintaining overall mechanism simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The brackets serve as intermediary elements between the folding mechanism's movable parts and the fixed support structure. These intermediate brackets transmit and distribute lateral forces throughout the triangular framework, providing fixed support without requiring complex locking mechanisms. The brackets mediate between the simplicity of the folding design and the strength required to resist deformation.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure demonstrates a collapsible wheeled walker having two side frames supported above a walking surface with attached wheel assemblies. The side frames are interconnected by an X-folder apparatus. The X-folder apparatus has first and second elongate elements rotatably coupled to each other with the bottom ends of the elements rotatably attached to the bottoms of the side frames, and the top ends of the elements having perpendicular support elements that in the deployed open position, engage support brackets formed on the inner sides of the side frames. The support brackets have protrusions extending from bracket support surfaces to engage complementary apertures formed in the perpendicular support elements to provide stability to the wheeled walker.