Adjustable Fork Device for Wheelchair Back Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional back and side supports for disabled individuals, such as those on wheelchairs, are often fixed and symmetrical, failing to accommodate individual ergonomic needs and clothing variations, leading to suboptimal support, especially in different weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A back and side support system featuring a fork device with a cylindrical lower piece and a ramifying top piece, allowing height adjustment and horizontal rotation, which can be fixed using a locking mechanism, enabling individual ergonomic adjustments and accommodating varying clothing thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed and symmetrical back and side support is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot accommodate individual ergonomic needs and clothing variations
Solution Approach 1:
The back support and side support are made adjustable through the fork device mechanism, allowing height and angular position changes. This transforms the static fixed structure into a dynamic adjustable one, enabling adaptation to individual ergonomic needs while maintaining structural simplicity through standardized adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The fork device serves multiple functions: it provides height adjustment, angular positioning, and locking capabilities within a single integrated mechanism. This multi-functionality allows the support structure to adapt to various user needs and clothing conditions without requiring multiple separate components, thus improving versatility while controlling complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed back and side support is used, then the manufacturing and installation is simple, but it cannot be adapted to different clothing thicknesses in different weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable fork device allows the support structure to dynamically adapt to different clothing thicknesses by changing height and angle positions. Users can modify the support configuration according to seasonal clothing variations, transforming a static structure into one that responds to external conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes in the support structure through the fork device's height and angular adjustments. By modifying these geometric parameters, the support can accommodate varying clothing thicknesses without requiring complete redesign or replacement of the support structure.
3Ease of operation
If an adjustable fork device is added to allow height and angle adjustment, then ergonomic adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and adjustment mechanism increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete height levels and angular positions, allowing independent adjustment of each parameter. This segmentation simplifies the overall mechanism by breaking down complex continuous adjustment into manageable discrete steps, making the system easier to operate while maintaining ergonomic adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fork device incorporates a locking mechanism that allows users to independently adjust and secure the support position without requiring external tools or assistance. This self-service capability simplifies the adjustment operation while providing full ergonomic customization, reducing the need for complex external adjustment systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a back and side support (2) for aids for disabled including wheelchairs (1), which have wheels (7) mounted to a chassis (6) where the back support and side support (2) includes at least one fork device (3), which is shaped with a lower piece (9), which is preferably cylindrical and can be placed in a bracket (4), which is fastened to the chassis (6) of the wheelchair and where the fork device (3) is shaped with a top part (8), which ramifies from the central axis of the lower piece (9) and where the fork device (3) in relation to the bracket (4) can be height adjusted and turned in a horizontal plane around the central axis of the lower piece (9) and where the position of the fork device can be fixed with a locking device (5). The invention also includes application of back and side support (2) for wheelchairs (1), which are provided with at least one revolvable front wheel and two rear wheels. With the invention it is achieved that it is made possible to manufacture common wheelchairs with back and side support, which simply and efficiently can be adjusted individually to the specific user such that this under all conditions is supported ergonomically optimum.