Elastomeric Calf Bumper for Wheelchair Bracket Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective covers for wheelchair leg rest brackets do not effectively reduce the risk of scrapes and skin tears in a safe, convenient, and economical manner.
Innovation Solution
A Calf Bumper System comprising a unitary device with a geometric configuration, semi-circular ends, and an interior chamber made of elastomer, designed to be easily deployed and removed, providing a protective buffer around the leg rest brackets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protective covers are added to wheelchair leg rest brackets, then safety is improved by reducing scrapes and skin tears, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calf bumper is designed to fit over the existing leg rest bracket, with the bracket nesting inside the bumper's aperture. This allows the protective cover to envelop the bracket structure while maintaining a compact integrated appearance, adding safety without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The calf bumper is constructed from elastomeric material forming a flexible shell that covers the rigid leg rest bracket. This flexible protective layer absorbs impacts and prevents skin contact with sharp edges, improving safety while the thin-walled design minimizes added complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If a unitary elastomeric device is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design specifies particular geometric parameters for the bumper including semi-circular ends with defined radii, aperture dimensions matching the bracket, and wall thickness specifications. These controlled parameters enable consistent manufacturing of the unitary elastomeric piece while maintaining ease of production through standard molding processes
Solution Approach 2:
While the bumper itself is unitary, the design segments the geometric features into distinct functional zones: the aperture region for bracket insertion, the semi-circular end regions for structural integrity, and the flat upper/lower surfaces for positioning. This segmentation simplifies the molding process and quality control
3Ease of operation
If the bumper has a unitary aperture design, then ease of operation is improved by simplifying installation and removal, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is pre-formed as an integral feature of the elastomeric bumper during manufacturing, with dimensions and positioning optimized for the specific bracket geometry. This preliminary preparation of the opening structure eliminates the need for post-manufacturing modification or complex assembly steps, simplifying both production and user installation
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
The Calf Bumper System effectively reduces the risk of scrapes and skin tears by providing a durable, reusable, and easily cleanable protective barrier around wheelchair leg rest brackets, making it safe, convenient, and economically viable for users.
Implementation Method 1
The unitary device is fabricated of an elastomer
Data Source
AI summary
A calf bumper that covers an exposed metal bracket used to hold a leg rest on a wheelchair. The protective device is made of a flexible elastomeric material and is separable on one side with a cavity for the leg rest bracket plate and a central hole to encompass the leg post and the bracket pin. When deployed the bumper provides protective buffer surrounding the exposed bracket reducing the risk of injuries such as scrapes and skin tears caused by exposed wheelchair leg rest brackets.