Backrest Angle Adjustment System for Adaptable Disability Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seats fail to adequately accommodate the diverse physical support needs of individuals with severe disabilities, particularly in terms of adjustability and comfort, as they often do not allow for customizable tilt and recline options.
Innovation Solution
A seat design featuring a pivotally attached backrest with an angle adjustment system, a tilt in space mechanism, lateral support brackets, and an adjustable footrest, allowing for customizable tilt, recline, and footrest positioning to accommodate various user needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed backrest angle is used in existing seats, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot accommodate diverse physical support needs of individuals with disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamically adjustable one through the angle adjustment system. The angle adjuster can slide along the angle adjustment slot to change the backrest angle, allowing the seat to adapt to different physical support needs while maintaining structural integrity through the linkage mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment system is segmented into distinct functional components: the angle adjustment slot provides the adjustment path, the angle adjuster provides the adjustment mechanism, and the linkage transmits the adjustment force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while keeping the overall system manageable in complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added to accommodate different disabilities, then adaptability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex adjustment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism serves multiple functions: it transmits force from the angle adjuster to change the backrest angle, maintains the optimal angle between seat base and backrest, and works with the angle adjustment slot to provide smooth adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each adjustment type
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage acts as an intermediary between the angle adjuster and the backrest, translating the linear movement of the angle adjuster along the slot into angular adjustment of the backrest. This intermediary mechanism simplifies operation by providing a direct mechanical connection that requires minimal user effort
3Adaptability or versatility
If the backrest is pivotally attached to allow tilting, then adaptability improves, but stability of the seat composition worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest attachment is designed as a dynamic system with controlled movement. The pivotal attachment allows tilting within a specific range defined by the angle adjustment slot, providing adaptability while maintaining structural stability through the constrained motion path and the supporting linkage mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a seat, backrest, lateral support bracket, and footrest that are able to be adapted to suit the needs of a physically disabled user. In general, the seat comprises a base frame, a seat base that is supported by the base frame, and a backrest. The backrest may be adapted to tilt with respect to the seat base and comprises a backrest angle adjustment system including a vertically extending angle adjustment slot located centrally on the backrest support and a pair of links pivotally attached to the seat frame and the angle adjuster wherein the angle adjuster comprises a lock with a projection through the angle adjustment slot and a fastener that engages with the projection.