Bath Transfer Chair Tilt Mechanism for Stable Reclining Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheelchairs with fixed seat and back positions lack adjustability, making transfers to bathtubs or shower enclosures difficult, especially for individuals with limited mobility, and existing bath transfer apparatuses are cumbersome with multiple components that need assembly each time for use.
Innovation Solution
A tilting mechanism for the chair that allows the seat and back to recline concurrently using a single actuator, with the back reclining at a greater rate than the seat, and a transfer apparatus with a deployable bridge portion to facilitate smooth transfers between the wheelchair and bathtub or shower enclosure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the chair seat and chair back are adjusted independently or as a fixed unit, then the adjustment flexibility is improved, but the center of gravity shifts excessively causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the position of the seat is sensed and used to control the chair back adjustment. The controller receives feedback from the seat position and automatically adjusts the chair back to maintain proper alignment and center of gravity, resolving the contradiction between adjustment flexibility and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary between the seat and chair back adjustment mechanisms. This intermediary coordinates the movement of both components to ensure they adjust in a coordinated manner that maintains stability while providing flexibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are assembled to provide the transfer apparatus, then the transfer functionality is improved, but the device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transfer apparatus components into an integrated system where the bridge portion is stored as part of the chair support member. This combining of components reduces the number of separate parts that need to be assembled while maintaining the full transfer functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge portion is pre-stored in a ready-to-deploy position as part of the chair support member structure. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex assembly during each transfer operation, reducing both device complexity and assembly time
3Ease of operation
If the bridge portion is stored separately from the chair support member, then the assembly flexibility is improved, but the risk of loss and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge portion is nested within or integrated into the chair support member structure when not in use. This nesting arrangement ensures the bridge portion is always retained with the support member, eliminating loss while allowing easy deployment when needed
Data Source
AI summary
A tilting mechanism for a chair that has a seat frame, a seat and a chair back. The tilting mechanism has a track path along which the seat tracks between an upright sitting position and a reclined position. The chair back tracks concurrently between a first position when the seat is in the upright sitting position and a second inclined position when the seat is in the reclined position. The inclination of the chair back increases at a greater rate than the inclination of the seat as the seat moves between the upright sitting position and the reclined position.