Mechanical Lifting System for Wheelchair Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Individuals with paralysis or paresis of lower limbs face difficulties in standing up from a wheelchair and transitioning to an upright position without excessive energy expenditure, as existing solutions are either cumbersome or inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical lifting system comprising a vertical side support unit with two segments, a knee support, hand handle, and a control system for gas, electric, or hydraulic actuators, along with a corset and seat design that allows for efficient transfer between a wheelchair and an upright position, utilizing a parallelogram structure and adjustable components for support and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing lifting solutions (dead weights with ropes, electromagnetic servo-motors) are used, then the lifting function is achieved, but the device complexity and energy expenditure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of standing upVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical side support unit is divided into two segments: bottom segment with at least one vertical element and top segment with at least two vertical elements. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each segment's function while maintaining overall structural integrity, reducing complexity compared to monolithic designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic elements including swivel joints connecting the segments, allowing adaptive movement during the lifting process. The gas spring, electric spring, or hydraulic actuator provides dynamic force assistance that adjusts to the user's needs, making the lifting operation easier while maintaining manageable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If existing lifting solutions are used, then lifting function is provided, but energy expenditure by the user increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of standing upVSAvoidenergy expenditure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a gas spring, electric spring, or hydraulic actuator that functions as a counterbalancing mechanism. These actuators compensate for the user's body weight during the lifting process, reducing the energy expenditure required by the user to stand up from the wheelchair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting system is designed to assist the user's natural movement through mechanical advantage. The parallelogram structure and swivel joints work together to automatically guide and support the lifting motion, allowing the user to stand up with minimal energy expenditure by simply activating the control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If a mechanical lifting system is designed for easy operation, then energy expenditure is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy expenditureVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical side support unit with its two segments and swivel joints serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables the lifting motion, maintains geometric stability through the parallelogram configuration, and facilitates the transfer between wheelchair and standing position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing complexity while achieving easy operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The swivel joints act as intermediary elements connecting the bottom and top segments, allowing smooth transfer of forces and motions. These intermediary joints simplify the overall mechanism by enabling flexible connection while maintaining the parallelogram geometry, reducing the complexity of force transmission compared to rigid connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If vertical side support unit has two segments connected by swivel joints, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The swivel joints provide dynamic adaptability, allowing the support unit to adjust its configuration during operation. This dynamic capability compensates for manufacturing tolerances by enabling the structure to adapt to slight variations in joint angles and positions, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The parallelogram structure formed by the swivel joints maintains geometric consistency throughout the range of motion, ensuring that all points on the support unit move in a coordinated manner. This geometric property provides inherent stability that tolerates manufacturing variations, allowing the structure to maintain its functional integrity without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables disabled individuals to stand up from a wheelchair and return to a seated position with minimal energy expenditure, providing safety and comfort through a three-point body support system and adjustable components for optimal positioning.

Implementation Method 1

one end of gas spring, electric spring or hydraulic actuator is fixed to the bottom segment of side support unit below the fixing place of knee support. The other end of gas spring, electric spring or hydraulic actuator is fixed to the third connector mounted by articulated joint to the top segment of vertical side support

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas spring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic actuator: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

Joints, by means of which vertical elements of the top segment are connected with vertical elements of the bottom segment, and joints, by means of which vertical elements of the top segment are connected with the first connector, make a parallelogram

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectParallelogram mechanism: Geometry

Implementation Method 4

the ends of vertical elements of the top segment are connected with the elements of the bottom segment by means of a swivel joints

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSwivel joint: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS7644454B2Mechanical lifting system

Publication Date: 2010.01.12 ALREH MEDICAL Z O O

AI summary

The subject of the invention is a mechanical lifting system with seat which enable the disabled people with paralysis or paresis of lower limps to stand up from the wheelchair and without excessive energy expenditure take upright position in standing frame and came back to the wheelchair. This mechanical lifting system can be used in a kind of walking frame, static standing frame or mobile standing frame and is very useful in rehabilitation of disabled people.