Fully Foldable Four-Wheel Walking Aid With Elastic Pin Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking aids are inconvenient to fold, have exposed brake cables that pose risks, and are bulky after folding, making them difficult to carry and use, especially for elderly or rehabilitation purposes.
Innovation Solution
A fully foldable four-wheel walking aid with a simple structure, featuring a connecting frame that folds and unfolds via an elastic pin mechanism, allowing the device to be compactly folded and easily carried, with integrated brake mechanisms and a foldable cushion for user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the backrest is pulled out when folding, then the folding operation can be completed, but the operation becomes inconvenient and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism is divided into independent modular components: the connecting frame with upper and lower halves, the elastic pin mechanism, and the rotating shaft screw. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the complex folding operation to be broken down into simple sequential steps without requiring manual manipulation of the backrest.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic pin automatically engages with the rotating shaft screw to lock the folding position, and the connecting frame's upper half automatically connects to the lower half through the elastic pin mechanism. This self-locking and self-connecting feature eliminates the need for manual backrest manipulation during folding, simplifying the operation.
2Reliability
If brake cables are exposed outside, then the brake mechanism can function, but the cables can hook other articles and create safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The brake cables are nested within the frame structure, specifically routed through channels or compartments formed by the connecting frame and wheel frame. This nesting approach keeps the cables enclosed and protected while maintaining their functional connection between the brake grip and brake pad, eliminating the hazard of exposed cables hooking external objects.
3Ease of operation
If a cushion is used for comfort, then user comfort is improved, but the wheels can slide and the device can roll over due to high center of gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is designed to be foldable and storable, allowing the user to adjust its presence based on stability needs. When stability is prioritized, the cushion can be folded away or removed, lowering the center of gravity. When comfort is needed and stability is less critical, the cushion can be deployed. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between comfort and stability.
4Ease of operation
If the walking aid is designed to be foldable, then portability is improved, but the structure becomes complicated and the folded volume is large
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple folding functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The connecting frame's upper and lower halves, the armrest adjustment frame, and the rotary movable base all fold using the same elastic pin and rotating shaft screw mechanism. This unified approach simplifies the overall structure compared to having separate folding mechanisms for each component, reducing both structural complexity and folded volume.
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 enables a compact, safe, and user-friendly walking aid that can be easily folded and carried, reducing the risk of brake cable exposure and improving stability during use.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic pin having recovery capability is provided in the open space
Implementation Method 2
the elastic pin includes the main body, a spring, and a compression rod
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a fully foldable four-wheel walking aid, comprising a left frame and a right frame which are connected by an X-shaped frame, wherein each of the left frame and the right frame includes a wheel frame, an armrest adjustment frame, a fixed base and a rotary movable base. The armrest adjustment frame, the rotary movable base and the fixed base are connected by a rotating shaft screw; and a through hole of armrest adjustment frame is provided in the armrest adjustment frame, rotary movable base is provided with a through hole of rotary movable base, and fixed base is provided with a through hole of fixed base. An open space is formed by the through hole of armrest adjustment frame, the through hole of rotary movable base and the through hole of fixed base, and an elastic pin having recovery capability is provided in the open space.