Nested Wheelchair Brake Shoe for Hand Clearance and Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheelchair wheel locks are often bulky, difficult to adjust, and can cause hand injuries due to insufficient space when disengaged. They also lack durability and may not maintain a consistent clamping force as the brake wears over time.
Innovation Solution
A wheel lock design featuring replaceable and interlocking components, including a brake pad housed in a brake shoe that can be easily swapped when worn. The brake shoe and lever are nested and interlocked, enhancing durability and clamping force, and the pivot point is positioned further from the wheel to increase space when disengaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional wheel locks are used, then the locking function is provided, but the wheel lock is bulky and causes insufficient space for hand movement when disengaged
Solution Approach 1:
The brake shoe is nested within the lever structure, with the brake shoe pivot point positioned inside the lever's concave portion. This nesting arrangement allows the brake shoe to retract into the lever when disengaged, significantly reducing the overall volume of the wheel lock assembly and creating sufficient clearance for hand movement around the push rim.
2Ease of operation
If conventional wheel locks are used, then the locking function is provided, but adjusting the position is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel lock is divided into separable components including the brake pad, brake shoe, and lever assembly. The brake pad can be independently removed and replaced from the brake shoe, and the entire brake assembly can be adjusted relative to the lever. This segmentation allows for easy maintenance and position adjustments without requiring complete disassembly or complex procedures.
3Strength
If conventional wheel locks with stacked components are used, then the locking function is provided, but the clamp force is reduced and durability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The brake shoe and lever are merged into a nested configuration where the brake shoe is positioned within the lever's concave portion. This merging eliminates the need for separate stacked components and associated fasteners, creating a more rigid structure that maintains clamp force while reducing the number of parts. The nested arrangement provides structural integration that enhances durability.
4Reliability
If conventional wheel locks are used, then the locking function is provided, but the brake pad wear cannot be compensated over time
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel lock design incorporates adjustable elements that allow the brake assembly position to be modified as the brake pad wears. The brake pad can be repositioned on the brake shoe, and the entire brake assembly can be adjusted relative to the lever and wheel. This dynamic adjustability ensures consistent clamp force and reliable locking performance throughout the extended service life of the brake components.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel lock for a wheelchair is provided. The wheel lock comprises a supporting member configured to attach to a frame of the wheelchair adjacent to a wheel of the wheelchair. The wheel lock also comprises a brake shoe mechanically coupled to the supporting member and configured to be movable between a first directional configuration and a second directional configuration, and a brake pad mechanically coupled to the brake shoe. The wheel lock comprises a lever mechanically coupled to the brake shoe and configured to move the brake shoe between the first directional configuration and the second directional configuration. When the brake shoe is in the first directional configuration, the brake pad does not contact the wheel of the wheelchair. When the brake shoe is in the second directional configuration, the brake pad is configured to mechanically couple to the wheel of the wheelchair to prevent the wheel from rotating.