Hinge assembly for a wheelchair component
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge assemblies for articulating wheelchair components lack the necessary range of motion and strength to effectively support users with varying needs, such as those with disabilities, and do not provide adequate adjustability in three dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly featuring a first and second hinge member with tapered apertures and a fastener assembly, including hubs with complementary tapered surfaces, allows for secure connection and adjustable articulation between members, enabling rotation about multiple axes and providing counter-directional resistance to maintain a stable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing hinge assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but the range of motion is insufficient and strength is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into multiple independent components: first and second hinge members with fingers, apertures, and separate fastener assemblies. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity, enabling greater range of motion through the articulating fingers while keeping the structural design straightforward
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly incorporates dynamic elements including the articulating fingers that can rotate relative to each other, the fastener assembly that allows selective engagement and disengagement, and the tapered surfaces that provide smooth motion. These dynamic features enable adjustable range of motion without requiring complex mechanisms
2Strength
If existing hinge assemblies are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the strength and support capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered surfaces in the apertures and corresponding fastener components create a conical geometry that distributes mechanical loads more effectively across the joint. This curved surface design increases the contact area and reduces stress concentrations, thereby enhancing the strength and support capability of the hinge assembly while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly combines multiple materials with complementary properties: the hinge members provide structural support, the tapered surfaces enable smooth articulation, and the fastener assembly secures the joint. This composite approach to material selection and component design achieves superior strength without requiring complex manufacturing techniques
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing hinge assemblies are used, then the structure is straightforward, but the adjustability in three dimensions is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly enables motion in multiple dimensions through the articulating fingers that can rotate about different axes. The first and second hinge members are positioned to allow rotation about perpendicular axes, providing three-dimensional adjustability. This multi-axis articulation is achieved through the geometric arrangement of simple components rather than complex mechanisms
4Stability of the object's composition
If a secure connection is provided, then the stability is improved, but the ease of repositioning is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener assembly is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the user to easily engage or disengage the connection between hinge members. The fastener can be quickly inserted or removed from the tapered aperture, providing both secure connection when engaged and easy repositioning when disengaged. This dynamic design achieves both stability and operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered aperture and corresponding fastener component act as an intermediary mechanism between the hinge members. This intermediate structure provides a controlled interface that ensures stable connection through the tapered geometry while allowing easy insertion and removal, thereby balancing connection stability with repositioning ease
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly includes a first hinge member including a first outer finger defining a first aperture, the first aperture including a first circumferential tapered surface, a second hinge member including a second outer finger defining a second aperture, the second aperture including a second circumferential tapered surface, and a fastener assembly including a first hub, a second hub, and a fastener, the first hub including a circumferential tapered surface that is complimentary to the first circumferential tapered surface, and the second hub including a circumferential tapered surface that is complimentary to the second circumferential tapered surface, the fastener assembly is configured to connect the first hinge member to the second hinge member.