Modular Standing Frame With Shear-Free Sit-to-Stand Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standing frames are typically purpose-specific and lack adjustability, forcing users to purchase multiple devices and often resulting in uncomfortable alignment and shear issues due to misalignment during transitions between sitting and standing postures, which limits their utility and accessibility for users of varying sizes.
Innovation Solution
A modular standing frame system comprising a chair module, glider module, and workstation module that can be interchanged, featuring adjustable components such as offset hinges, extensor mechanisms, and adjustable footrests to accommodate different user sizes and postures, minimizing shear and allowing for multiple uses including as a workstation and exercise device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standing frame is designed for a specific purpose, then it can provide specialized functionality, but it cannot be used for multiple purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The standing frame is divided into separate functional modules (exercise module, workstation module, mobility module) that can be independently attached to or removed from the chair module. This segmentation allows the device to be reconfigured for different purposes without requiring a completely different device, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The chair module serves as a universal base that can accommodate multiple different modules for various functions (exercise, work, mobility). This universal design allows a single standing frame to perform multiple purposes, eliminating the need for users to purchase multiple separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a standing frame has fixed components, then it is simple to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate users of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The standing frame incorporates adjustable components including the extensor mechanism with variable stroke length, adjustable seat height, and configurable module positions. These dynamic adjustments allow the device to accommodate users of different sizes and abilities while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process through standardized adjustment mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the standing frame components are not properly aligned, then the device is easier to manufacture, but it causes shear and discomfort during transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The extensor mechanism is pre-configured with an offset hinge and adjustable stroke length to ensure proper alignment of the user's body during the transition from sitting to standing. This preliminary configuration of the mechanical linkage ensures that components remain properly aligned throughout the movement, preventing shear and discomfort without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular standing frame is described herein. The modular standing frame has a chair module adapted to raise and lower a user between sitting and standing postures without inducing shear between the user and the seat and seat back of the chair module. The chair module may be selectively coupled to one of a glider module adapted to provide walking-type exercise to a standing user, a workstation module that provides a work surface for a sitting or standing user, and a mobility module that allows the standing frame to be moved about by a user much like a wheel chair.