Retractable Strap Retention System for Mobility Chairs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users of mobility chairs face challenges in securely carrying items while using their devices, as hands are often occupied with controlling the chair, leading to items being unsecured and prone to falling off, especially on manual wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
Innovation Solution
A mobility chair equipped with retractable straps that can be extended and secured to retain items on the user's lap or seat, featuring self-retracting and self-locking mechanisms, buckles, and magnetic connectors for easy access and secure holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If items are placed on the user's lap to free hands for controlling the wheelchair, then hand availability for control is improved, but items become unsecured and prone to falling off
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system uses self-retracting straps with automatic retraction mechanisms that actively secure items without requiring continuous user intervention. The straps automatically retract when items are placed on the lap, providing ongoing security while keeping hands free for control operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-positions retractable straps near the user's lap area, ready to engage items before they can fall. The straps are预先 configured to automatically retract and secure items as soon as they are placed on the lap, preventing the problem of items becoming unsecured.
2Ease of operation
If items are balanced on the lap while propelling a manual wheelchair, then hand availability is improved, but the process becomes frustrating and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The self-retracting straps automatically secure items without requiring the user to spend time manually adjusting or rebalancing them. Once an item is placed on the lap, the strap system autonomously engages and secures it, eliminating the frustrating manual balancing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the item security function from the user's manual balancing task and transfers it to an automated strap system. This separates the control function (user's responsibility) from the security function (system's responsibility), eliminating time loss.
3Reliability
If bags are hung on the wheelchair frame to secure items, then item security is improved, but accessibility to items deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of securing items in a fixed location on the frame (spatial constraint), the retractable straps extend from the frame to the user's lap area, creating a dynamic spatial arrangement. Items remain accessible on the user's body while being secured by straps that extend from the frame, solving both security and accessibility needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable straps act as intermediaries between the frame-mounted security system and the user's lap area. They provide the connecting function that allows items to be both secured (connected to frame) and accessible (positioned on user's body).
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
Enables users to keep their hands free for controlling the chair while securely retaining items, preventing damage and reducing frustration, especially for users with mobility impairments.
Implementation Method 1
cooperating magnetic connectors
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to retention systems for retaining items during use of a mobility chair. According to one embodiment, a mobility chair includes a frame, wheels and a seat; and an item retention system including one or more retractable straps such that when, in use, a user is positioned on the seat, the one or more retractable straps are arranged to be extended and secured to retain one or more items positioned on the user's lap or on the seat in front of the user. A related method of retaining an item or items on the user's lap is also described.