Four-Link Tractor Assembly for Wheelchair Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tractor assemblies for wheelchairs are heavy, require complex and costly connection devices, and often necessitate assistance for assembly and disassembly, making them inaccessible to many individuals due to their expense and instability.
Innovation Solution
A four-link mechanism with a connection unit comprising a fixing member, top link unit, bottom link unit, swing rod, engaging unit, and positioning unit allows for easy connection and disconnection of the tractor assembly to a wheelchair without additional devices, using a push rod and resilient members to secure the engaging section into a reception hole, enabling angle adjustment for stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tractor assemblies use special designed connection devices, then the connection stability is improved, but the weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the connection device directly into the tractor assembly structure, merging the tractor body and connection components into a unified design. This eliminates the need for separate special-designed connection devices, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining connection stability through the integrated structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The tractor assembly is designed with a universal connection interface that can connect to standard wheelchair hanger brackets. The connection device serves multiple functions: structural support, articulation, and secure attachment, eliminating the need for specialized single-purpose connection components.
2Reliability
If conventional tractor assemblies use special designed connection devices, then the connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the connection device with the tractor assembly structure, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs while maintaining connection reliability through the unified structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal connection interface allows the tractor assembly to connect with standard wheelchair brackets, eliminating the need for custom-specialized connection devices. This universality reduces manufacturing costs by using standard components and simplifies the supply chain while ensuring reliable connections.
3Reliability
If conventional tractor assemblies require manual connection assistance, then the connection stability is ensured, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the connection device with self-aligning and self-latching features that enable the user to connect and disconnect the tractor assembly independently without assistance. The automatic engagement mechanisms and intuitive interface allow disabled persons to operate the system themselves while maintaining connection stability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional tractor assemblies use support legs with hanger bracket removal, then the upright positioning is achieved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support legs are integrated into the tractor assembly structure, combining the positioning and support functions into the main body. This integration eliminates the need for separate hanger bracket removal steps, as the support legs directly interface with the wheelchair frame, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining upright positioning stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A tractor assembly includes a connection unit which is connected between the tractor and the wheel chair. The connection unit includes a fixing member, a top link unit, a bottom link unit and a swing rod so as to form a four-link mechanism. The connection unit includes an engaging unit with an engaging section, and a position unit. The top link unit has a reception hole and the positioning unit has a push rod. When the push rod is located at the first position, the reception hole is closed. When the push rod is located at the second position, the push rod is retracted and the reception hole is exposed. The bottom link unit is pivoted about one end of the swing rod to move the other end of the swing rod to the position of the reception hole, the engaging section is inserted into the reception hole.