Walker with Variable Wheelbase for Turning Radius and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional walkers have a fixed wheel spacing, which limits their ability to provide a better user experience by not allowing for optimal turning radius adjustment between auxiliary and driving modes, compromising both walking and riding stability.
Innovation Solution
A walker design that includes a gear set and a cushion module allowing the distance between the front and rear wheels to be adjusted, with a shorter gap for auxiliary mode to reduce the turning radius and a longer gap for driving mode to enhance stability, utilizing a gear system and cushion elements to facilitate this adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the distance between front wheel and rear wheel is decreased, then the turning radius is reduced for better maneuverability in auxiliary mode, but the stability is compromised for driving mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable wheelbase mechanism that allows the distance between front and rear wheels to be dynamically adjusted between a first distance (for auxiliary mode) and a second distance (for driving mode). This dynamic reconfiguration enables the walker to optimize turning radius when the user is walking with it, while providing enhanced stability when the user is riding on it, thus resolving the contradiction between maneuverability and stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the distance between front wheel and rear wheel is increased, then the stability is improved for driving mode, but the turning radius is increased reducing maneuverability in auxiliary mode
Solution Approach 1:
The variable wheelbase mechanism enables the walker to switch between a longer wheelbase configuration for driving mode (improving stability) and a shorter wheelbase configuration for auxiliary mode (improving turning radius). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize performance for each specific mode of operation, eliminating the need to compromise between the two opposing requirements.
3Device complexity
If the wheel spacing is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different modes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a variable wheelbase mechanism with movable wheel units that can be repositioned between different locations along the walker body. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the walker to adapt its wheel spacing to match different operational modes (auxiliary vs. driving), significantly improving versatility while accepting a moderate increase in structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel units are designed as separate, movable components that can be independently repositioned along the walker body. This segmentation allows flexible adjustment of wheel spacing without requiring complete structural redesign, enabling the system to adapt to different modes while keeping the added complexity manageable through modular 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
Enables users to achieve a shorter turning radius in auxiliary mode for easier walking and improved stability in driving mode for comfortable riding, enhancing the overall user experience by adapting wheel spacing dynamically.
Implementation Method 1
the gear set comprises a first gear, a second gear and a third gear, the handle unit comprises a handle linkage, the second wheel unit comprises a wheel linkage, the handle linkage is affixed to the first gear, the wheel linkage is affixed to the third gear, the first gear is meshed to the second gear, and the second gear is meshed to the third gear
Implementation Method 2
the cushion module comprises a first connection bracket, a second connection bracket, and two cushion elements, and the first connection bracket is affixed to the walker body, the second connection bracket is connected to the wheel unit bracket, the second connection bracket pivots on the first connection bracket via a bracket pivoting portion, the cushion elements are disposed between the first connection bracket and the second connection bracket
Implementation Method 3
the first wheel unit further comprises an elastic element, one end of the elastic element is connected to the kickstand, and the other end of the elastic element is connected to the wheel unit bracket
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A walker is provided. The walker includes a walker body, a handle unit, a first wheel unit and a second wheel unit. The handle unit is connected to the walker body. The first wheel unit is connected to the walker body. The second wheel unit is connected to the walker body. In an auxiliary mode, a first gap is formed between the first wheel unit and the second wheel unit. In a driving mode, a second gap is formed between the first wheel unit and the second wheel unit. The first gap is smaller than the second gap.