Removable Wheelchair Lift With Parallel-Link Elevation
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Solution Overview
Problem
People who use manual wheelchairs face daily challenges in reaching high objects due to environments not adapted for wheelchair use, leading to unsafe situations and injuries. Existing wheelchair lift systems are often bulky, heavy, and uncomfortable, and are not easily removable, complicating the process of entering or exiting vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A removably mounted wheelchair lift device with a novel lifting mechanism that maintains a parallel relationship between its top and bottom plates, utilizing a battery-powered rotary electric motor and gear drive for precise extension and retraction, allowing users to easily add or remove the lift device without assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wheelchair lift systems are incorporated into the wheelchair frame, then lifting function is provided, but the wheelchair becomes too heavy and bulky for easy transport
Solution Approach 1:
The lift system is designed as a separate, removable module that can be detached from the wheelchair frame. This segmentation allows the lightweight wheelchair to be easily transported while the lift function remains available when needed, resolving the contradiction between having lifting capability and maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift system transitions from a static integrated component to a dynamic removable attachment. It can be coupled to the wheelchair when lifting is required and decoupled when transport is needed, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements.
2Reliability
If integrated wheelchair lift systems are used, then lifting capability is provided, but the user cannot remove the lift system when not in use, complicating vehicle entry/exit
Solution Approach 1:
The lift system is designed as a detachable module that can be separated from the wheelchair frame. Users can remove the lift system before entering vehicles, eliminating the burden of transporting integrated lift systems and simplifying the vehicle entry/exit process while maintaining lifting capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift system is extracted from the permanent structure of the wheelchair, allowing it to be removed and stored separately. This extraction enables users to have a lightweight wheelchair for daily use and transport, while the lift function remains accessible through the removable module.
3Ease of operation
If manual wheelchair users attempt to reach high objects, then independence is maintained, but unsafe situations and injuries occur
Solution Approach 1:
The lift system acts as an intermediary device between the user and high objects. Instead of the user directly reaching for objects at unsafe heights, the lift system provides mechanical assistance to elevate the wheelchair and user to the required height, maintaining independence while eliminating the harmful factor of injury risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift system changes the vertical position parameter of the wheelchair and user. By controlling the height parameter through mechanical elevation, the system enables users to access high objects safely without compromising their independence or exposing them to injury risks associated with manual reaching.
4Reliability
If existing wheelchair lifts are used, then lifting function is provided, but users feel uncomfortable and unsafe being lifted to high levels
Solution Approach 1:
The lift system incorporates localized safety features including handholds, footrests, and support structures positioned at specific locations to provide user support during elevation. These local quality enhancements address comfort and safety perception by providing tactile reference points and physical support where users need them most during the lifting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift system includes pre-positioned safety elements such as handholds, footrests, and support structures that are available before and during the lifting process. These elements provide users with confidence and security by offering physical support and stability throughout the elevation journey, addressing comfort and safety perception proactively.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The wheelchair lift device provides a safe and efficient solution for users to reach high objects independently, reducing the risk of injuries and enhancing user independence by allowing easy attachment and detachment of the lift device.
Implementation Method 1
a battery powered rotary electric motor and gear drive which introduce a torque between adjacent parts of the lift mechanism
Implementation Method 2
The various parts of the lift mechanism are pivotally attached to one another in a manner which provides a linear and precise extension and retraction
Data Source
AI summary
A removably mounted wheelchair lift device that can elevate the wheelchair and its user. The lift device has a novel lifting mechanism which has an upper plate, a lower plate, a knee plate, an upper interior link, an upper exterior link, a lower interior link, a lower exterior link and a transfer link. The various parts of the lifting mechanism are pivotally attached to one another in a manner which provides a linear and precise extension and retraction. Extension and retraction of the lifting mechanism is achieved by a rotary electric motor and gear drive which introduce a torque between adjacent parts of the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism maintains a parallel relationship between its top and bottom plates throughout its range of motion. The lift device may also be used in other applications where the level or angle of the equipment or surfaces being supported must remain constant regardless of height. Other applications may include, but are not limited to, supporting hospital beds, medical operation tables, manufacturing work stations, office work stations, pallet stand, and other warehouse and storage applications.