Adjustable Wheel Bracket for Camber Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheelchairs often fail to provide adequate comfort and stability for users of varying sizes, weights, and ergonomic needs, and lack adjustable features to accommodate different user requirements, particularly in terms of wheel positioning and handling.
Innovation Solution
A wheelchair wheel bracket system that allows for adjustable positioning of wheels, enabling both parallel and cambered configurations, which enhances stability and turning capabilities by using a bracket body with shells and a sleeve for mounting the wheel shaft, allowing for horizontal adjustment and secure fixation to the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wheelchair uses fixed wheel positioning, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate users of varying sizes and ergonomic needs
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel bracket is designed with repositionable components that allow dynamic adjustment of wheel position and camber angle. The first part can be repositioned relative to the frame, and contact surfaces can be selectively engaged to change wheel orientation, transforming a static structure into an adaptive one that accommodates different user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel bracket is divided into multiple independent parts: a first part for frame attachment, a second part for wheel shaft support, and multiple selectable contact surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and configured, enabling customization of wheel position and angle without redesigning the entire bracket.
2Ease of operation
If the wheelchair has adjustable wheel positioning, then user comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel bracket design provides multiple functions within a single component: it allows adjustment of wheel position horizontally, vertically, and in camber angle; it provides stable fixation through multiple contact surfaces; and it maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality improves user comfort without requiring multiple separate adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design enables users to independently adjust wheel position and angle to suit their ergonomic needs, allowing self-customization of the wheelchair configuration without requiring external assistance or complex adjustment procedures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the wheelchair uses fixed cambered wheel position, then turning stability is improved, but adaptability to different terrains and user needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel camber angle is made dynamically adjustable through the repositionable first part and selectable contact surfaces. Users can configure the wheel at fixed angles (0°, 5°, 10°, 15°) or intermediate positions, allowing the bracket to adapt to different terrain conditions and user preferences while maintaining the stability benefits of cambered positioning when needed.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5b
Figure 5c
AI summary
A wheelchair (10) wheel bracket (60) comprises a first part to be fixated to the frame of the wheelchair (10) and defines a first set of opposite first and second contact surfaces. The first part is repositionable relative to the frame for allowing the first contact surface, or alternatively, the second contact surface to face outwardly relatively to the frame defining a fixation surface. The bracket further comprises a second part supporting the wheel shaft (50) of one of the wheels (44, 45) and defining a second set of opposite third and fourth contact surfaces for allowing the third contact surface, or alternatively, the fourth contact surface to be contacted with and fixated relative to the fixation surface. At least one of the first and second sets of opposite contact surfaces defines a non parallel set of contact surfaces and at least one combination of contacting one of the surfaces of the second set with one of the surfaces of the first set providing a non cambered position of the wheel, and a different combination of contacting one of the surfaces of the second set with one of the surfaces of the first set providing a positive cambered position of the wheel.