Foldable Wheelchair Adjustable T-Bracket Center of Gravity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable wheelchairs lack adjustable center of gravity and consistent stiffness, leading to variable driving performance and poor portability due to heavy metal construction.
Innovation Solution
A foldable wheelchair design with adjustable T-shaped brackets and a foldable link element that allows for the adjustment of the center of gravity and rear wheel axis position, using lightweight high-strength materials like aluminum or titanium for the side frame components and incorporating a locking mechanism for easy folding and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the wheelchair is manufactured from heavy metal such as steel, then the structural strength and stiffness are improved, but the portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining aluminum alloy frame components with high-strength plastic or composite link elements. This composite approach maintains structural strength while significantly reducing the overall weight compared to traditional all-steel construction, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by transitioning from heavy steel to lightweight aluminum alloys and composite materials. This parameter change in material density and mechanical properties allows the wheelchair to achieve adequate strength with reduced weight, improving portability without sacrificing structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the position of the foldable traverse support is fixed, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the adaptability of the center of gravity position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed traverse support into a dynamic, adjustable system. The foldable link element can be repositioned along the side frame components, and the T-shaped bracket allows longitudinal adjustment of the rear wheel axis. This dynamic adjustability enables center of gravity optimization while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing through standardized adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the traverse support function into multiple adjustable components: the foldable link element with positioning holes, the T-shaped bracket with adjustment slots, and the rear wheel axis mounting. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component to achieve optimal center of gravity position while keeping each individual component manufacturable with standard processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between the rear wheel axis and the foldable traverse support varies, then the adaptability to different wheel positions is improved, but the stiffness consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent actively manages the distance parameter between the rear wheel axis and traverse support by providing multiple predetermined positioning options through the T-shaped bracket adjustment slots and link element positioning holes. This allows the distance parameter to be optimized for different wheel positions while maintaining consistent stiffness through proper geometric design of the link element and bracket connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality optimization by designing the foldable link element with specific geometric properties and connection point locations that maintain structural stiffness. The T-shaped bracket and link element are designed with reinforced connection zones and optimized moment arms to ensure consistent stiffness characteristics across different adjustment positions, while still allowing adaptability to various rear wheel axis positions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a foldable wheelchair (10) comprising two side frame components (11a, 11b), respectively a left and a right side frame components, each mounting front and rear wheels (12a, 13a; 12b, 13b), respectively left and right, front and rear wheels, said rear wheels (13a, 13b) having an axis of rotation (XX'), said side frame components (11a, 11b) being connected together for relative folding movement between an erected position and a folded position by foldable link element (20) extending between said two side frame components (11a, 11b), wherein the left, respectively the right, side frame component (11a, 11b) comprises a T-shaped bracket (17), along which is connected both a rear wheel suspension (19) of the left, respectively the right, rear wheel (13a, 13b) and a left, respectively a right, end (21a, 22b) of the foldable link element (20), wherein the position of T-shaped bracket (17) is adjustable along the back-to-front direction of the wheelchair so as to permit the adjustment of the position of the center of gravity of the wheelchair.