Adjustable Pediatric Wheelchair via Segmented 3D Printed Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual vehicles for children with motor disabilities of the lower limbs lack adjustability to accommodate changing body proportions and are often expensive and not easily customizable.
Innovation Solution
A manual vehicle designed with a body comprising a movable seat, main base, extendable footrest, rear base, and connector, allowing for highly adjustable seat spacing and footrest configurations, manufactured using FDM technology for cost-effectiveness and personalization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing manual vehicles are used, then they provide basic mobility function, but they lack adjustability to accommodate changing body proportions of children
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelchair is divided into modular components (seat, footrest, backrest, base) that can be independently adjusted. The seat spacing is adjustable through multiple mounting positions on the base, and the footrest can be configured in three different positions, allowing customization to fit changing child proportions without requiring complete redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheelchair incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities where the seat distance from wheels can be modified, and the footrest can be repositioned in three configurations. This dynamic adaptability allows the same vehicle to grow with the child from 9 months to 4 years old.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing manual vehicles are manufactured traditionally, then they meet quality standards, but they are expensive and not easily customizable
Solution Approach 1:
The design parameters (seat spacing, footrest position, overall dimensions) can be easily modified in the digital 3D model before printing, allowing customization for different age groups and body proportions. The FDM printing process itself allows for parameter changes without additional tooling costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheelchair design is created as a digital 3D model that can be replicated and printed multiple times using FDM technology. This digital copying approach eliminates expensive traditional manufacturing tooling while enabling easy customization through digital model modification.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the vehicle is designed for long-term use (9 months to 4 years), then it needs to accommodate growth, but fixed designs become quickly inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelchair is designed with segmented, adjustable components that can be reconfigured as the child grows. The seat can be repositioned relative to the wheels, and the footrest has three configurable positions, extending the usable life from infancy through preschool years.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle incorporates dynamic adjustment features allowing it to adapt to the child's growth trajectory over time. The adjustable seat spacing and multi-position footrest enable the same vehicle to serve effectively throughout the 9-month-to-4-year age range.
Data Source
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AI summary
A manual vehicle for children, having a body with a seat mounted thereon, moving on wheels, equipped with a footrest, characterised in that the body consists of: a movable seat (1), a main base (2), an extendable footrest (3), a rear base (4) and a connector (5), the seat (1) being mounted on the main base (2) and the rear base (4a), wherein an extendable footrest (3) with a swivel wheel (8) are mounted to the main base (2) and the seat (1) is mounted to the rear base (2) having swivel wheels (8) though a connector (5), whereby the seat (1), the main base (2), the footrest (3) and the rear base (4) have mounting holes (1b, 2a, 3a, 4a) for a set screw (12), and a wheel (7) is mounted on each axle (6) and each wheel is connected to the main base (2) through screws (13) screwed into threaded bushings (10).