Foldable Walker Brake Rod Assembly and Self-Adjusting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable walkers face issues with robustness, manufacturing costs, bulkiness, entanglement with clothing, and safety concerns due to complex brake mechanisms and baskets that require removal for folding, leading to compromised safety and durability.
Innovation Solution
A foldable walker design featuring a self-adjusting brake rod assembly with a spring-biased gripping member and a compact brake housing that protects the brake pad mechanism, along with a collapsible basket that remains attached during folding, reducing parts and enhancing user safety and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If walkers have many parts to accommodate variety of body shapes and provide strong frame, then frame strength and adaptability are improved, but manufacturing costs increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The walker frame is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate various body shapes and user requirements through a standardized yet flexible configuration. The frame members are engineered to work together in multiple arrangements, providing strength and adaptability without requiring numerous specialized parts for different body types.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple frame members are combined into an integrated structure where the first and second frame members connect to form a cohesive unit. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the structural strength needed to support various user configurations.
2Ease of operation
If brake pad mechanism is exposed for user adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to entanglement with clothing and wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The brake housing provides selective protection, enclosing the brake pad mechanism while leaving specific portions accessible for necessary adjustments. This localized approach maintains durability by protecting vulnerable components from entanglement and wear, while preserving ease of operation for essential brake adjustments.
3Device complexity
If telescoping tube height adjustment and brake rod fixing are combined, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates as brake function becomes dependent on telescoping tube fixing mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment and brake fixing functions are segmented into separate mechanisms. The telescoping tube has its own independent fixing mechanism, while the brake rod has a separate fixing system. This segmentation ensures that brake functionality remains independent and reliable even if the height adjustment mechanism fails or is not properly set.
4Ease of operation
If basket is made collapsible to remain attached during folding, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The basket is designed with dynamic collapse capability, allowing it to transition from an extended usable state to a compact folded state. This dynamic structure enables the basket to remain attached to the walker during folding operations, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through efficient mechanical design.
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 solution provides a safer, more durable, and cost-effective foldable walker with improved braking functionality, reduced entanglement risks, and a compact folding mechanism that maintains structural integrity and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The gripping member has an adjustment mechanism rigidly connected thereto that adjustably engages a connection member. Actuation of the connection member tilts the gripping member upwards and engages the brake rod for braking the walker apparatus.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a brake rod assembly for a walker apparatus. The assembly includes a brake rod operatively connected to a brake for braking the walker apparatus. The assembly includes a connection member operatively connected to a brake handle. The assembly includes a gripping member that is spring-biased to slidably receive the brake rod. The gripping member has an adjustment mechanism rigidly connected thereto that adjustably engages a connection member. Actuation of the connection member tilts the gripping member upwards and engages the brake rod for braking the walker apparatus.