Adjustable Wheelchair Base With Independent Tilt Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tilt-in-space wheelchairs have limited adjustability, making it difficult to independently adjust the seat width and wheelbase, which restricts user positioning and complicates transportation due to rigid frame systems.
Innovation Solution
A wheelchair with a base assembly and tilt assembly where the wheelbase and wheel track are independently adjustable, allowing the tilt assembly to remain unchanged, and the ability to detach and reattach the tilt assembly for easier transport and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the width between rockers is adjusted to accommodate different seat assembly widths, then the seat assembly width is improved, but the wheel track width changes simultaneously which is undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The base assembly is divided into independent adjustment mechanisms: the rocker width adjustment is separated from the wheel track adjustment. Each mechanism can be operated independently without affecting the other, allowing separate control of seat assembly width and wheel track width.
Solution Approach 2:
Adjustable linkages serve as intermediary elements between the rockers and the wheel mounting structure. These linkages can be independently adjusted to decouple the relationship between rocker spacing and wheel track, acting as mediators that break the direct mechanical coupling.
2Strength
If the wheelchair uses a rigid frame system for structural integrity, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of transport and storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelchair is divided into separable modules: the tilt-in-space rocker assembly can be detached from the base frame. This segmentation allows the rigid frame to maintain structural integrity when assembled while enabling easy disassembly for transport and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the rocker assembly and base frame transitions from fixed to dynamic. Quick-connect mechanisms allow the system to switch between a rigid connected state for use and a separated state for transport, providing adaptability in structural rigidity.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheelchair comprises a base assembly and a tilt assembly detachably supported on the base assembly. The base assembly has a mounting point that receives the tilt assembly and a latch receiver that engages a latch assembly of the tilt assembly. The wheelchair further provides a fore and aft adjustment of a seat mounted to the tilt assembly and an angular adjustment of the seat relative to a rocker of the tilt. Each of the fore/aft seat adjustment and the seat angle adjustment relative to the rocker is independently adjustable. The rocker position of the tilt assembly relative to the base is unchanged when either the seat longitudinal position or angular position is adjusted.