Unilateral Adaptive Implement for Wheelchair Terrain Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manually-propelled wheelchairs face challenges in adapting to diverse terrains and environments, requiring versatile and efficient means to maintain mobility, comfort, and safety across various surfaces, including indoor and outdoor settings, without compromising maneuverability or increasing the risk of injury.
Innovation Solution
A unilateral adaptive implement system is attached to a lateral portion of the wheelchair, allowing for easy engagement and disengagement, enabling conversion between load-sharing and non-load-sharing states through a wheel-stand maneuver, with adjustable configurations for optimal performance on different terrains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manually-propelled wheelchairs use standard casters for indoor mobility, then maneuverability is maintained, but adaptability to diverse terrains deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The caster assembly is designed with dynamic adjustability, allowing the wheel diameter to be changed from a first size to a second size. This dynamic modification enables the wheelchair to adapt to different terrain conditions while maintaining maneuverability through the ability to switch configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of caster wheel diameter to adapt to different terrains. By providing casters with different diameter options, the system modifies its interaction with the ground surface to suit various environmental conditions while preserving ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If larger diameter casters are used to improve outdoor terrain performance, then adaptability to diverse surfaces is improved, but maneuverability in tight indoor spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The caster assembly allows dynamic switching between different wheel diameters. When outdoor terrain performance is needed, larger diameter casters are engaged; when indoor maneuverability is required, smaller diameter casters are used. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction between terrain performance and maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
The caster system is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating casters of different diameters. The same mounting mechanism accommodates both large-diameter casters for outdoor use and small-diameter casters for indoor use, making the system universally applicable to diverse operating conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adaptive implements are permanently attached to the wheelchair, then adaptability to specific terrains is improved, but device complexity and ease of adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism for adaptive implements is designed to be dynamically adjustable. Implements can be easily attached and detached, and their positions can be adjusted along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic mounting system provides terrain-specific adaptability without permanently complicating the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptive implement system is segmented into separate, interchangeable components. Each implement can be independently attached or detached from the wheelchair frame, allowing users to configure the system according to specific terrain requirements without increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Transition means for adapting a wheelchair are disclosed wherein a user or an occupant of the wheelchair is enabled to repeatably alternate the wheelchair between an original mode and an adapted mode by engaging and disengaging a unilaterally-connected adaptive implement.