Retractable Wheelchair Locking Member Avoids Terrain Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheelchair locking systems risk breaking when contacting terrain or objects, potentially dislodging the user due to changes in the wheelchair's center of gravity during operation.
Innovation Solution
A retractable locking system with an actuator that moves a locking member between a retracted and extended operation state, allowing it to avoid terrain and objects while in use and engage with a mating device for locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking pin is used to engage with a mating device, then the wheelchair can be securely locked, but the locking pin may contact terrain or objects and break during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is made retractable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position between extended (for locking) and retracted (for avoiding obstacles) states. This dynamic configuration enables the locking member to engage with mating devices when needed while avoiding terrain or objects during wheelchair operation, resolving the contradiction between locking reliability and vulnerability to contact damage
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is divided into separable components: the locking member that can extend and retract, the actuator that controls movement, and the locking frame that houses the mechanism. This segmentation allows the locking member to be independently controlled to either engage with mating devices or retract to avoid obstacles, preventing breakage while maintaining locking capability
2Reliability
If the locking pin contacts terrain or objects, then the wheelchair's center of gravity changes, but this may dislodge the user or cause the wheelchair to tip over
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member's position is dynamically controlled based on operational needs. During wheelchair movement, the locking member retracts to maintain the center of gravity in its original position, ensuring stability. When locking is required, the member extends to engage with mating devices. This dynamic positioning prevents unwanted center of gravity changes that could dislodge the user or cause tipping, while still providing secure locking when needed
Data Source
AI summary
A locking system of a wheelchair is disclosed. The locking system includes a locking member, an actuator, a locking frame, and an opening. The opening is disposed within the locking frame. The actuator is in communication with the locking member and is configured to move the locking member within the opening. The actuator is operable in a retracted operation state and an extended operation state. The actuator is configured to move the locking member in an upward direction when the locking system is set from the extended operation state to the retracted operation state. The actuator is configured to move the locking member in a downward direction when the locking system is set from the retracted operation state to the extended operation state, and the locking member is naturally biased in the extended operation state.