Modular Wheelchair Frame for Trike Conversion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wheelchair assemblies face challenges in stability and versatility, particularly when navigating diverse terrains and obstacles, limiting users' mobility and options for athletic or sporting activities.

Innovation Solution

A frame assembly that can be selectively connected to and disconnected from the seat and wheel assemblies of a wheelchair, allowing for conversion into a trike configuration with an auxiliary wheel, improving stability and terrain negotiation capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a wheelchair assembly uses a fixed frame configuration, then it provides basic stability for everyday use, but it limits versatility for athletic or sporting activities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility for athletic activitiesVSAvoidframe configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame assembly is divided into separate modular components including a main frame, seat assembly, and wheel assemblies that can be independently connected and disconnected. This segmentation allows the wheelchair to be reconfigured for different activities without requiring complete disassembly, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity by enabling modular adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame assembly incorporates dynamic connectivity features that allow transitions between fixed and movable configurations. Connection points and mounting mechanisms enable the frame to adapt its structure based on operational requirements, providing stability for everyday use while allowing reconfiguration for athletic activities without permanent structural changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If a wheelchair assembly is designed for stable everyday use, then it provides reliable support, but it reduces stability when navigating diverse terrains and obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability on diverse terrainsVSAvoidterrain negotiation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The frame assembly is designed with universal connection points and mounting interfaces that accommodate multiple wheel configurations and terrain-specific attachments. The same frame structure provides stable support for everyday use while enabling configuration changes for navigating diverse terrains, resolving the contradiction through multi-functional design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If wheel assemblies are permanently fixed to the wheelchair frame, then it ensures structural integrity, but it prevents component swapping for specific athletic objectives

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent swap capabilityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The frame assembly incorporates pre-positioned connection points, mounting brackets, and fastening mechanisms that are prepared in advance for quick attachment and detachment of wheel assemblies. This preliminary preparation enables rapid component swapping for different athletic objectives while maintaining structural integrity through pre-engineered connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11311435B2Frame for utilization with components of wheelchair

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 DIMITROV DIMITER PETKOV

AI summary

An apparatus includes a frame assembly configured to be selectively connectable with a seat assembly of a wheelchair assembly once the seat assembly is selectively disconnected and removed from the wheelchair assembly. The frame assembly is also configured to be selectively connectable with spaced-apart wheel assemblies of the wheelchair assembly once the spaced-apart wheel assemblies are selectively disconnected and removed from the wheelchair assembly.