Foot Pedal Activation Mechanism for Movable Furniture Wheel Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable furniture with caster wheels lacks an efficient and accessible mechanism for users to activate and deactivate braking and steering mechanisms, particularly in healthcare settings, where caretakers face difficulties in maneuvering and securing furniture while maintaining stability and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A medical patient support arrangement with a platform, chassis, and wheel assemblies, featuring an activation mechanism that includes a track and pin system operable by a foot pedal, allowing easy switching between locked and unlocked states of the wheels, enabling users to maintain stability and accessibility during activation and deactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a braking mechanism with separate levers for activation and deactivation is used, then the wheel can be securely locked and unlocked, but the mechanism becomes cumbersome and confusing to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the activation and deactivation functions into a single lever mechanism. The lever can be positioned in multiple states (engaged, disengaged, intermediate) to control the brake cable tension, eliminating the need for separate levers while maintaining secure locking and unlocking capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses a dynamic lever system with intermediate positions rather than binary on/off switches. The lever can be held at various angles to provide different levels of brake engagement, allowing for progressive control and more intuitive operation during emergency situations.
2Area of stationary object
If the activation mechanism is positioned close to the wall or between furniture, then the furniture can be compact, but the mechanism becomes inaccessible to caretakers
Solution Approach 1:
The activation mechanism is extended outward from the furniture body using an articulated arm or linkage system. This allows the lever to be positioned within easy reach of caretakers while the actual braking mechanism remains compact and integrated into the furniture structure, effectively utilizing spatial dimensions.
3Device complexity
If caretakers must bend down to activate the braking mechanism, then the mechanism can be integrated into the furniture structure, but caretakers cannot maintain a stable hold on the furniture
Solution Approach 1:
The activation lever is positioned at a height and location that is ergonomically accessible to standing caretakers, eliminating the need to bend down. The mechanism is designed so that the lever can be operated from a stable, upright position while maintaining a firm grip on the furniture with the other hand.
4Ease of operation
If a foot pedal activation mechanism is used, then users can maintain stability while activating brakes, but the mechanism requires additional space and structural components
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism is designed to be operable by multiple body parts including hands and feet. The same lever that can be pulled by hand can also be pressed by foot, providing versatility without requiring completely separate mechanisms for different activation methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A support arrangement having an activation mechanism to control the movement of wheels is provided. The support arrangement includes a platform, a chassis attached to the platform, a pair of wheel assemblies movably coupled to the chassis, and the activation mechanism. The pair of wheel assemblies are operable between a first state and a second state. The activation mechanism includes a track having a first stable position and a second stable position spaced along a length of the track, and a pin configured to travel along the track. Wheels are in the first state when the pin is in the first stable position and are in the second state when the pin is in the second stable position.