Walking Aid Brake Wire Layout With Wedge-Boosted Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake systems for wheeled walking aids, such as rollators, face issues with unsteady balance and interference due to cable placement, and suffer from friction problems when the rollator is height-adjusted, leading to suboptimal braking performance, especially for users with limited strength and mobility.
Innovation Solution
A brake pull system where the lever acts on a wire that is not pinched in its sleeve at all heights, utilizing a brake actuator with a wedge mechanism and pretensioned tensioning member to provide increased braking force and gradual activation, with the brake wire and sleeve exiting the housing on the same side as the brake lever, preventing interference and reducing friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the brake wire exits the brake handle housing on the opposing side relative to the brake lever, then the wire does not obstruct the use of handles and brakes, but the load from the handles acts downwards behind handle tubes causing unsteady feel and unsteady balance
Solution Approach 1:
The brake wire is routed inside the handlebar at a right angle in relation to the brake lever, changing the spatial dimension of wire placement from lateral exit to internal routing perpendicular to the lever, eliminating both obstruction and balance issues
2Ease of operation
If the brake cable is situated inside the handlebar at a right angle in relation to the brake lever, then the wire does not obstruct handle use, but the system must handle surplus wire if the rollator is height adjustable
Solution Approach 1:
The brake cable routing is designed to be height-adjustable, allowing the cable to be repositioned vertically within the handlebar to accommodate different rollator heights, eliminating surplus wire issues while maintaining the right-angle configuration
3Ease of operation
If the wire or cable runs in a right angle downwards from the brake lever and on the outside of any parts of the rollator, then the wire is accessible, but the wire is bent with a small diameter bend when the rollator is lowered causing friction and impacting brake performance
Solution Approach 1:
The brake wire is nested inside the handlebar structure, routing the cable through the internal hollow space of the handlebar rather than externally, which protects the wire from sharp bends and external damage while maintaining accessibility
4Device complexity
If a conventional brake system is used, then the structure is simple, but the braking force is insufficient in relation to the force acting on the brake lever for users with limited strength
Solution Approach 1:
A cable-actuated mechanism with adjustable tension is implemented, allowing the braking force parameter to be optimized and increased relative to the lever input force, providing sufficient braking power for users with limited strength while maintaining a relatively simple structure
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 enhances braking force and stability by ensuring the brake wire is not pinched, reducing friction, and allowing for gradual activation, improving user safety and mobility for elderly and disabled individuals by providing consistent braking performance across various heights and user inputs.
Implementation Method 1
a brake actuator with a wedge mechanism and pretensioned tensioning member to provide increased braking force
Implementation Method 2
brake actuator with a wedge mechanism and pretensioned tensioning member to provide increased braking force
Implementation Method 3
pretensioned tensioning member to provide increased braking force and gradual activation
Data Source
AI summary
A wire activated brake system for a walking aid is provided, comprising wheels wherein the system comprises a pull system to activate the brakes, the pull system comprises, a housing and a brake lever and a brake wire wherein the brake wire exits the housing on the same side as the brake levers protrudes the housing. Furthermore, a brake actuator is provided, wherein the brake actuator comprises a deflection member, a wedge, a support member comprising a sliding surface, wherein the wedge is pretensioned in a position between the deflection member and the support member.