Lifting Device With Movable Base Legs For Paraplegic Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting devices for paraplegics require assistance for operation, making it difficult for individuals to transfer between seated positions independently.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device with a wheeled base, a rotatable head, and a pivotable lifting arm arrangement, featuring movable legs that adjust between stabilizing and retracted positions, and an actuator handle for independent operation, allowing for 360-degree rotation and vertical movement without external assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the base is expanded to provide stability during lifting, then stability is improved, but mobility is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The base legs are designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions, allowing the base to dynamically change its configuration. When legs are extended, the base provides maximum stability during lifting operations. When legs are retracted, the base becomes more compact and mobile, allowing easy movement to different locations. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between stability and mobility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the lifting arm is fixed in supporting position, then stability is improved, but adaptability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting arm is designed with pivotable joints that allow it to move between a supporting position (for stable lifting) and an inoperative position (for storage or transport). This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to different operational states while maintaining stability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting arm is divided into multiple segments connected by joints, allowing independent movement of each segment. This segmentation enables the arm to achieve various configurations - extended and locked for stable support, or retracted and folded for adaptability and storage.
3Device complexity
If manual operation is required, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates self-locking mechanisms in the linkage system that automatically secure the base in stabilizing condition when the arm arrangement is in supporting position. This self-service feature reduces the need for complex manual locking operations while maintaining ease of use, as the system automatically performs stabilization functions.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a lifting device (1) for transfer of a paraplegic between seated positions. A post (3) extends from a wheeled base (2) and movably supports a head (5) for upwards and downwards movement. A lifting arm arrangement (7) is pivotably secured to the head (5). The head (5) is also rotatable about the post (3) and the base (2) movable between an expanded stabilizing condition and a retracted condition. The latter condition allows the lifting device (1) to fit through a standard width doorway. Movement of the base (2) between these conditions is effected by pivoting of the lifting arm arrangement (7) into and out of a lateral supporting position. The base (2) preferably includes five legs (4) extending substantially radially from the post (3) with two of the legs (4) foldable towards adjacent legs (4).