Offset Steering Column for Balance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheeled mobility aids for individuals with lower leg, ankle, or foot dysfunction often lack enhanced control, comfort, and stability, particularly when using symmetrical steering control about a longitudinal centerline.
Innovation Solution
A balance compensation apparatus with a steering column mounted offset from the longitudinal centerline, featuring an adjustable kneeling platform and a foldable design, providing enhanced control and stability by aligning the steering column with the user's centerline and incorporating a hand brake for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If symmetrical steering control about longitudinal centerline is used, then device complexity is reduced, but control comfort and stability deteriorate for users with one dysfunctional leg
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column is deliberately positioned offset from the longitudinal centerline of the device to align with the user's centerline. This asymmetric configuration compensates for the user's leg dysfunction and provides enhanced control comfort and stability, directly resolving the contradiction between operational ease and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If steering column is offset from longitudinal centerline to align with user centerline, then control comfort and stability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column is deliberately positioned offset from the longitudinal centerline of the device to align with the user's centerline. This asymmetric configuration compensates for the user's leg dysfunction and provides enhanced control comfort and stability, directly resolving the contradiction between operational ease and device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed steering column design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column incorporates telescopic and articulating capabilities, allowing it to adjust in length and angle to accommodate different user sizes and preferences. This dynamic adjustability enhances user adaptability while maintaining reasonable manufacturing simplicity through standardized adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable steering column design serves multiple functions: it adapts to different user heights, accommodates various seating positions, and provides customizable control angles. This multi-functionality enhances versatility without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a balance compensation apparatus to be used by persons with one dysfunctional leg and one operative leg. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus with a frame having at least one lateral support with an aperture for slidably engaging a kneeling platform assembly and a steering column that is mounted on the frame to be offset from a longitudinal centerline of the frame. A handlebar is connected to the steering column. The platform and the handlebar are adjustable for added comfort, control and stability. The platform assembly may be offset of the longitudinal centerline to a side in common with the steering column and have cushions for added comfort. A hand brake may provide stability and safety and the steering column may fold for easy storage.