Adjustable Body Support Mounting for Tool-Free Chair Retrofitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing body supports for individuals with disabilities are inflexible and require complex adjustments, often necessitating tools and user relocation, making it difficult for assistants to provide comfortable and optimal support, especially when used with unsuitable furniture.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable body support system featuring displaceable plate-shaped members with releasable fastening mechanisms, including an oblong slot and secondary slots, allows for precise adjustment and retrofitting to various furniture types without requiring the user to move, using a clamping element for easy operation and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the body support is designed with multiple adjustable parts to accommodate individual user needs, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases and requires tools for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The body support is divided into modular components (backrest, seat, armrests, leg supports) that can be independently adjusted and positioned. Each module contains adjustment mechanisms that can be operated separately, reducing the complexity of adjusting the entire system at once while maintaining high adaptability to individual user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities where components can be easily repositioned during use. The adjustment mechanisms are designed to allow users or assistants to modify the support configuration without tools, enabling the system to adapt to changing user needs while keeping the adjustment process simple.
2Ease of operation
If the support is adjusted while the user is in the chair, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unintentional displacement of members increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanisms are designed to be user-operable without requiring assistance or tool use. Users can directly adjust the support components to their preferred positions while seated, maintaining ease of operation. The self-adjusting features include quick-release latches and friction-based positioners that prevent unintentional displacement once set.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional tool-based adjustment mechanisms are replaced with simpler mechanical systems such as spring-loaded latches, friction locks, and cam-based positioners that can be operated by hand. These mechanisms provide reliable positioning without requiring tools, reducing the risk of accidental displacement while maintaining ease of adjustment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the support is designed for fixed positioning, then the stability is improved, but the adaptability to different furniture types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The body support is designed with universal mounting capabilities that allow it to be attached to various types of furniture (wheelchairs, regular chairs, beds, medical equipment). The mounting system includes adaptable fastening mechanisms and adjustable attachment points that can accommodate different furniture structures while maintaining stable positioning once installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates adjustable parameters such as mounting hole positions, attachment point locations, and fastening mechanisms that can be configured for different furniture types. This allows the same support device to be securely installed on various furniture while maintaining stable fixed positioning once mounted.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable body support, including a number of mutually displaceable members, where a first plate-shaped basic member includes means for releasable fastening on a piece of furniture, a second plate-shaped basic member includes means for releasable fastening to the first basic member at varying positions, and a number of support members that may be releasably fastened to the second basic member.