Adjustable back support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheelchair back supports fail to provide adequate adjustable support for users with flexible or fixed deformities in the sagittal plane, leading to discomfort and potential health issues during prolonged sitting.
Innovation Solution
The adjustable back support system consists of multiple pivotable support members with distinct axes of rotation, allowing for customizable support to engage and adjust the user's pelvis, lumbar, and thoracic regions, accommodating both flexible and fixed deformities through a combination of pivotable assemblies and tension adjustment members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fixed back support is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot accommodate users with flexible or fixed deformities in the sagittal plane
Solution Approach 1:
The back support is divided into multiple support members (first support member, second support member, third support member) that can independently pivot relative to each other. Each support member can be adjusted to accommodate different spinal deformities, allowing the system to adapt to various user needs while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The back support transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure. The support members are configured to pivot relative to each other about different axes of rotation, enabling the back support to adapt its shape and orientation to match users with or without spinal deformities
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pivotable support members with different axes of rotation are added, then adaptability to deformities is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct pivotable assemblies, each with a specific axis of rotation. The first support member pivots about a first axis, the second support member pivots about a second axis, and the third support member pivots about a third axis. This segmentation allows each component to have a focused function, making the overall complex system more manageable and adjustable
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple pivotable support members serve multiple functions: they can accommodate users without deformities, accommodate users with flexible deformities that can be corrected through adjustment, and accommodate users with fixed deformities. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by providing comprehensive adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable back support for a mobility device includes a first adjustable back support assembly including a first support member and a second support member, and a second adjustable back support assembly. The first support member is moveably connected to the second adjustable back support assembly, the first support member being configured to pivot relative to the second adjustable back support assembly relative to a first axis of rotation, and the second support member is moveably connected to the first support member, the second support member being configured to pivot relative to the first support member relative to a second axis of rotation that is not parallel to the first axis of rotation.