Axiomatic Design Aspect of a Braking System Redesign

Abstract

A rollator is a commercial product on the market for aiding people with difficulty in walking by themselves. Users are typically strong enough to walk without aid, but will easily feel exhausted within short distances. The product is popular in advanced countries with fairly good walkway conditions with their simple structure and ease of use without any driving power. The product's simple design led to a great number of companies developing their design and putting them quickly in the market. Rushed design, however, sometimes can cause subtle issues with the product. One particular product was found with a drawback in its operability that engaging the hand activated brake can make the following forward movement difficult. This paper discusses the design issue with Axiomatic Design and proposes a remedy that removes the drawback.