Standing Frame Supine Mode Pivot Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sitting or standing in one position for extended periods can increase fatigue for individuals with disabilities or handicaps, as existing aides do not effectively address the need for dynamic posture changes to alleviate fatigue.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a frame, backrest, seat, and leg rest assemblies connected via pivot joints and actuators, allowing for multiple posture modes, including seating, standing, and supine positions, with adjustable links and locking mechanisms to accommodate varying user dimensions and provide upper torso support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user sits or stands in one position for extended periods, then the simplicity of the device is maintained, but fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables dynamic posture changes by allowing the seat assembly to pivot between seated and supine positions, and the leg rest assembly to pivot between elevated and lowered positions. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing multiple posture options (improving ease of operation) while using a relatively simple mechanical linkage system with pivot joints and locks (managing device complexity).
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separate functional assemblies: a seat assembly, a backrest assembly, and a leg rest assembly, each with its own pivot joints and locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component to achieve desired postures, improving operational ease while keeping each individual component relatively simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple posture modes are added to reduce fatigue, then user comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device achieves multi-functionality by enabling three primary posture modes (seated, standing, and supine) through a unified mechanical system. The seat assembly and leg rest assembly work together to provide multiple posture options, resolving the contradiction by delivering versatile functionality through a coordinated system rather than separate mechanisms for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
A link connects the leg rest assembly to the seat assembly, acting as an intermediary that coordinates movement between these components. This link ensures that when the leg rest pivots, the seat assembly moves in a coordinated manner, enabling smooth transitions between posture modes while simplifying the overall control mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable links and locking mechanisms are added to accommodate varying user dimensions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides adjustability by allowing the links to be repositioned to different lengths or configurations, and the locking mechanisms to be engaged at different positions. This enables the device to accommodate varying user dimensions by changing the geometric parameters of the mechanical linkage, achieving adaptability through simple parameter adjustments rather than complex mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is disclosed as having, for example, a frame, a backrest assembly including a pivot bracket, a seat assembly pivotably connected to the pivot bracket and the frame, a leg rest assembly pivotably connected to the frame, a link connected to the leg rest assembly at a first pivot joint and the pivot bracket at a second pivot joint, and a lock connected to the leg rest assembly and the frame.