Spring-Loaded Wheelchair Stand for Obstacle Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheelchair pre-tensioned steering devices with stands face challenges in self-assembly due to significant deviation between assembly and operating positions, leading to high forces required and potential collisions with obstacles, especially when navigating uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
A stand with a spring device allowing resilient pivoting in the straight-ahead direction of the wheelchair combination, providing low ground clearance without compromising stability, and featuring adjustable spring stiffness in different axes to facilitate easy assembly and obstacle navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the stand is positioned in the operating position with very little ground clearance to minimize deviation between mounting and operating positions, then the amount of displacement and force required during coupling is reduced, but parts of the stand easily collide with obstacles such as curbs
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is designed to be movable relative to the pre-tensioning steering device, allowing it to be in a first position during mounting (minimizing displacement) and a second position during operation (clear of obstacles). The stand can pivot between these positions, enabling it to adapt dynamically to different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand is divided into separable components that can be detached from the pre-tensioning steering device. This allows the stand to be removed or repositioned independently, enabling it to clear obstacles while maintaining its utility during mounting operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the stand is made rigid to securely hold the pre-tensioning steering device in storage and mounting positions, then stability is improved, but the stand is either damaged in collisions or prevents the vehicle from crossing obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The stand transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that can change its configuration. During mounting, it provides rigid support; during operation, it can pivot or be removed to avoid obstacles, preventing damage while maintaining stability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand is positioned in advance during mounting operations to provide stability, then repositioned or removed before obstacle-crossing operations to prevent damage. The system prepares for potential collisions by having the stand in a removable or pivoting configuration.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a foldable and extendable stand with locking or detent mechanisms is used to support the detached steering device, then the stand can maintain position, but the design becomes complicated and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The locking or detent mechanisms are removed entirely from the stand design. Instead of using complex mechanical locking systems, the stand relies on simple friction-based positioning or gravitational stabilization, significantly reducing complexity and weight while maintaining adequate position-holding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand uses changes in friction coefficients or gravitational forces to maintain position rather than mechanical locking. By adjusting surface properties or utilizing gravity, the stand achieves position stability without requiring complex locking mechanisms.
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
Simplifies the assembly process by minimizing the force needed and allows the stand to easily pivot over obstacles, ensuring stable operation and reduced risk of damage while maintaining low ground clearance.
Implementation Method 1
a stand (200) for a pre-tensioning steering device (100) which allows the pre-tensioning steering device (100) to be held in a mounting position
Implementation Method 2
a spring device (210) which allows at least a part of the stand (200) to pivot in a spring-loaded direction in a straight-ahead driving direction of the wheelchair combination
Data Source
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AI summary
The following are provided: a stand for a pre-tensioning steering device for a wheelchair, which allows the pre-tensioning steering device to be held in a mounting position for attaching the pre-tensioning steering device to the wheelchair to form a wheelchair combination; a pre-tensioning steering device with such a stand; and a wheelchair combination comprising a wheelchair and such a pre-tensioning steering device. The stand is designed to have a spring mechanism that allows at least part of the stand to pivot in a spring-loaded manner in a straight-ahead direction of travel for the wheelchair combination.