Removable Lateral Seat Cushion for Wheelchair Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat assemblies for passenger conveyance devices, such as wheelchairs and scooters, face challenges in providing comfortable side support while allowing easy passenger transfer, as traditional side plates can impede lateral movement.
Innovation Solution
The seat assembly features L-shaped lateral outer portions with pivot pins and extensions, allowing removable lateral seat members and cushion units that can be easily detached for side transfer, enabling various cushion designs and accessory attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional side plates are used to provide side support, then lateral support is improved, but passenger transfer is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly is divided into modular components: a central seat member and removable lateral seat members. The lateral seat members can be detached from the central seat member, allowing the side support structure to be segmented into fixed and removable portions. This enables passengers to transfer more easily while maintaining side support when the lateral members are attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral seat members are designed to be dynamically configurable - they can be attached to provide side support or removed to facilitate transfer. The connection mechanism allows for quick attachment and detachment, transforming the side support from a static obstacle into a dynamic element that adapts to different operational needs.
2Ease of operation
If lateral seat members are made removable to facilitate transfer, then ease of operation is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is segmented into simple, discrete components: a connection element with a first connection point on the central seat member and a second connection point on the lateral seat member. This segmentation allows for straightforward attachment and detachment without complex locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element serves multiple functions: it provides structural connection between lateral and central seat members, enables easy attachment/detachment for transfer, and maintains structural integrity when assembled. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If L-shaped lateral outer portions with pivot pins are used, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The L-shaped lateral outer portion is segmented into two functional legs: one leg connects to the central seat member and the other leg carries the lateral seat member. This segmentation allows each leg to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining the overall L-shaped configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The L-shaped lateral outer portion combines multiple functions into a single structural element: it provides structural support, enables pivot connection for lateral seat members, and facilitates various cushion designs. This merging reduces the total number of components needed.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention refers to a seat assembly (1) for a passenger conveyance device, especially of a wheelchair or of a scooter, with a seat frame for carrying a seat cushion, wherein the seat cushion comprises a central cushion member (5), placed on at least one central seat member (750), between two lateral cushion members (3, 7), each placed on a lateral seat member (300, 700), with at least one of the two lateral seat members (300, 700) being removable from the seat assembly together with the respective lateral cushion member (3, 7) placed thereon.