Motorized mount for seating system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quadriplegic individuals face challenges in accessing and using computing devices due to the lack of convenient and accessible mounting solutions on wheelchairs, which are often rigidly affixed and difficult to reposition, impeding mobility and usability.
Innovation Solution
A motorized mount assembly with a parallel four-bar linkage and linear actuators that allows for horizontal and vertical movement, tilt adjustment, and 360-degree rotation, controlled by electrical motors and a control unit, enabling easy deployment and retraction of computing devices on wheelchairs without hindering user mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid mount is affixed to the wheelchair, then the computing device is securely held, but the mount cannot be repositioned or removed easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the rigid, fixed mount into a dynamic, motorized system. The mount incorporates motors that enable it to move between extended and retracted positions, and to rotate to different orientations. This dynamic capability allows the mount to be repositioned easily through motor actuation rather than manual manipulation, resolving the contradiction between ease of repositioning and structural complexity by automating the repositioning function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mount is rigidly affixed to the wheelchair, then the device is stable, but it impedes motion when positioned under tables or through narrow doorways
Solution Approach 1:
The mount utilizes motorized actuation to dynamically adjust its position and orientation. The motors enable the mount to retract into a compact configuration when passing through narrow doorways or under tables, and to extend to stable, accessible positions when needed. This dynamic adaptability eliminates the harmful impediment to motion while maintaining stability during use, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and motion obstruction.
3Ease of operation
If the tray is made rigid for stability, then the computing device is securely held, but it is difficult to swing away for someone with limited hand or arm strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical swinging action with an automated motorized system. Instead of requiring the user to manually swing the tray into position, a motor actuates the mount to extend and position itself automatically. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with motorized actuation makes deployment easy for users with limited hand or arm strength while maintaining the structural strength and stability of the rigid tray through proper mechanical design and motor control.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure illustrates a motorized mount with a plurality of degrees of freedom coupled to a seating system. The motorized mount assembly can include an attachment assembly configured to attach to a seating assembly. A vertical control assembly can be connected to the attachment assembly with an arm having a first end attached to vertical control assembly by a first hinge. A mounting assembly can be attached to a second end of the arm. The mounting assembly can configured to receive a personal computing device. A linear actuator may be attached to the vertical control assembly to raise and lower the arm and mounting assembly. A first motor can be configured to attach to the arm. A second motor can be configured to attach between the arm and the mounting assembly.