Chair Lift Surface and Roller Layout for Assisted Standing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulty in exiting chairs due to lack of assistance in transitioning from a seated to a semi-upright position, especially for those with mobility issues.
Innovation Solution
A portable lifting apparatus comprising a base, back frame, extension, rollers, and a lifting surface made of pliable material, which is positioned over the chair and tightened to lift the user to a semi-upright position using an activation mechanism, with rollers reducing drag and a seating area to prevent slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lifting apparatus is designed to assist users in exiting chairs, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components including base, back frame, extension, rollers, and activation mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting apparatus is divided into multiple functional segments: a base portion positioned under the chair seat, a back frame portion extending upward, and an extension portion that pivots between vertical and horizontal positions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system manageability and ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension portion is designed to pivot dynamically between a vertical at-rest position and a horizontal use position. This dynamic configuration allows the apparatus to adapt to different operational states, providing ease of operation when needed while minimizing intrusion when not in use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lifting surface is made of pliable material to follow chair lines, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision becomes more difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting surface is constructed from pliable material that can drape and conform to the contours of different chair designs and sizes. This flexibility allows the same apparatus to adapt to various chair geometries without requiring custom manufacturing for each chair type, while the material itself maintains sufficient structural integrity for lifting function.
3Loss of energy
If rollers are added to minimize drag on the lifting surface, then the loss of energy is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rollers are introduced as intermediary elements between the lifting surface and the apparatus structure. These rollers minimize direct friction and drag between the lifting surface and contact points, reducing energy loss during the lifting operation. The rollers serve as simple mechanical mediators that significantly improve efficiency with minimal added complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively assists users in moving from a seated to a semi-upright position, enhancing mobility and ease of exit from chairs, accommodating various chair sizes and types, and providing support to prevent slipping.
Implementation Method 1
The rollers assist in reducing the drag on the lifting surface
Implementation Method 2
the lifting surface lifts the user away from the chair
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting apparatus for lifting a user from a sitting position to a semi-upright position. The lifting apparatus is positioned under the seat portion and along the back portion of the chair. The lifting surface extends from a first roller over a second roller and along the front surface of the chair to the base of the lifting apparatus adjacent the front of the chair. A seating area can be provided in the lifting surface to keep the user in position on the lifting surface. To use the lifting apparatus, the first roller is rotated to wrap the lifting surface onto the first roller which moves the lifting surface away from the front surface of the chair and lifts the user away from the chair.