Modular Wheelchair Posture Support with Remote Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wheelchair posture support systems are cumbersome, expensive, and time-consuming to adjust, often requiring multiple visits and physical handling, which can be distressing and stigmatizing for users, and do not effectively address the changing physiology of users over time.
Innovation Solution
A modular posture support system with expandable bodies, sensors, and wireless communication that allows for remote monitoring and adjustment, enabling easier attachment, adjustment, and maintenance, reducing the need for physical handling and frequent visits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional adjustable wheelchair systems (Matrix system) are used to provide highly customizable support, then the support customization is improved, but the adjustment time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is divided into multiple independent adjustment zones (upper backrest, lower backrest, lumbar support) that can be adjusted separately. Each zone has its own adjustment mechanism and range, allowing targeted customization without requiring complete system reconfiguration, thereby reducing adjustment time while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides predefined adjustment positions and configurations that can be quickly selected based on user needs. Common posture requirements are pre-configured, allowing rapid adjustment without requiring therapists to manually configure each parameter from scratch, significantly reducing adjustment time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional adjustable wheelchair systems are used to provide highly customizable support, then the support customization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex adjustment system is segmented into independent modules (upper backrest adjustment, lower backrest adjustment, lumbar support adjustment). Each module has its own mechanism and control, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high customization capability. This modular approach reduces device complexity by avoiding intricate interconnected mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow smooth, continuous movement through multiple positions. The adjustment mechanisms are designed to be intuitive and easy to operate, reducing the complexity of user interaction while providing extensive customization options through dynamic reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent adjustments are made to accommodate changing physiology, then the adaptability to user needs is improved, but the burden on healthcare resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes pre-configured adjustment positions and protocols for common physiological changes and clinical scenarios. When users experience physiological changes, therapists can quickly implement appropriate adjustments using pre-established configurations, reducing the time and resources needed for each adjustment visit while maintaining responsive adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow therapists to monitor user response to adjustments and make data-informed decisions about subsequent adjustments. This reduces the number of trial-and-error adjustment sessions needed, improving healthcare resource efficiency while maintaining high adaptability to individual user needs.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple therapists and technicians are involved in the adjustment process, then the adjustment precision is improved, but the device complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment process is segmented into distinct tasks that can be performed by different team members with specific roles (e.g., one therapist handles upper backrest, another handles lower backrest). This division of labor maintains adjustment precision through specialized expertise while reducing coordination complexity by clearly defining each person's responsibilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanisms are designed to be universally applicable across different user types and clinical scenarios, with standardized procedures that can be followed by any trained therapist or technician. This reduces coordination complexity by eliminating the need for highly specialized individual expertise while maintaining high adjustment precision through consistent, standardized processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A posture support system for a person supporting appliance comprising: a module (300), each module (300) comprising: an expandable body (20), means (60) for changing the degree of expansion of the expandable body (20); a sensor (27) configured to produce measurement data corresponding to the degree of expansion of the expandable body (2); a processor (116) arranged to process the measurement data generated from the sensor (27); and a wireless communication unit (114) arranged to transmit the measurement data wirelessly to a controller (320) and receive control data to control the degree of expansion of the expandable body (20).