Exercise Wheelchair Reclining Mechanism With Adjustable Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wheelchair-bound individuals face challenges in exercising their abdominal and back extensor muscles due to difficulty in performing trunk flexion-extension movements, and existing solutions lack a safe and stable mechanism with variable resistance for users of different abilities.
Innovation Solution
A wheelchair design featuring a mobile frame with a horizontal seat and vertical back section connected through pivoting joints and a resilient or damping resistance system, allowing synchronized reclining and forward movement to maintain stability and adjust resistance levels for user variability, along with an optional footrest for leg exercise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wheelchair user attempts to perform trunk flexion-extension movements to exercise abdominal and back extensor muscles, then muscle exercise is achieved, but the user lacks the strength and mobility to safely perform these movements without assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelchair mechanism enables the user to exercise their own muscles through the reclining motion of the backrest, which automatically provides the resistance and movement path needed for abdominal and back extensor exercise without requiring external assistance or complex manual manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest reclining mechanism serves dual functions: it provides the exercise resistance for muscle strengthening while simultaneously positioning the user in a comfortable reclined posture, combining therapeutic exercise with ergonomic support
2Adaptability or versatility
If a reclining mechanism is added to the wheelchair to enable trunk exercise, then exercise capability is improved, but the stability and safety of the wheelchair is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The reclining mechanism is integrated into the existing wheelchair frame structure, with the backrest pivoting joint and resistance mechanism combined with the frame's load-bearing elements, allowing the exercise function to be added without requiring a separate unstable platform
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient resistance mechanism provides a counterbalancing force that opposes the user's reclining motion, creating a controlled resistance that prevents uncontrolled movement and maintains stability throughout the exercise range of motion
3Force
If a fixed resistance mechanism is used in the reclining system, then exercise resistance is provided, but users of different ability levels cannot adjust the resistance to match their strength
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance mechanism uses a resilient element (such as a spring or elastic band) that provides variable resistance based on the degree of reclining and user strength, allowing the resistance to dynamically adapt to different user ability levels and exercise phases without requiring manual adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance characteristic changes with the reclining angle and user input force, allowing the same mechanism to provide appropriate resistance for both weak and stronger users by exploiting the non-linear force-displacement relationship of the resilient element
4Ease of operation
If the backrest is allowed to recline freely without resistance, then ease of movement is improved, but the exercise effect is lost and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient resistance mechanism is designed to engage only partially during the reclining motion, providing minimal resistance at the beginning of the movement for ease of initiation, and increasing resistance as the reclining angle increases, thereby providing both ease of operation and exercise effect
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
Enables safe and effective exercise of torso and leg muscles by maintaining stability, allowing users to adjust resistance levels based on their strength, thereby preventing muscle atrophy and improving mobility.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient means 21 connected to resist this motion
Implementation Method 2
a variable resistance damping mechanism 21
Data Source
AI summary
A wheelchair is provided with an exercise mechanism which allows the user to perform exercises as desired. The user is able to exercise by extending his or her torso either independently of his legs or combined with exercising his legs. Resistance mechanisms are included to permit users to control the level of difficulty.