Wheelchair Adjustability and Collapsible Storage Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheelchairs are not adjustable to accommodate users of varying sizes, leading to discomfort, health issues, and difficulty in transportation and storage.
Innovation Solution
A wheelchair design with adjustable features such as pivotable backrests, telescoping legs, and height-adjustable armrests, along with a collapsible structure for easy storage and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional wheelchairs are designed with fixed structure to simplify manufacturing and reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different user sizes and needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelchair incorporates multiple adjustable components including telescoping front legs with locking mechanisms, pivotable backrests with multiple angular positions, and height-adjustable armrests. These dynamic features allow the wheelchair to adapt to different user sizes and preferences while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheelchair allows adjustment of key dimensional parameters including leg length (telescoping mechanism), backrest angle (pivotable joint), and armrest height. These parameter changes enable the same wheelchair to accommodate users of varying heights and body proportions without requiring multiple different wheelchair models.
2Strength
If wheelchair structure is made rigid and non-collapsible to ensure stability and strength, then strength and stability are improved, but ease of transportation and storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelchair frame is divided into collapsible segments including telescoping front legs and a pivotable backrest that can fold parallel to the seat. This segmentation allows the structure to be compacted for transport while maintaining full structural integrity when assembled, as each segment can be independently adjusted or collapsed without compromising overall strength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wheelchair is designed with adjustable features to accommodate different users, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelchair incorporates multiple adjustable components including telescoping front legs with locking mechanisms, pivotable backrests with multiple angular positions, and height-adjustable armrests. These dynamic features allow the wheelchair to adapt to different user sizes and preferences while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheelchair allows adjustment of key dimensional parameters including leg length (telescoping mechanism), backrest angle (pivotable joint), and armrest height. These parameter changes enable the same wheelchair to accommodate users of varying heights and body proportions without requiring multiple different wheelchair models.
4Ease of operation
If wheelchair structure is made collapsible for easy storage and transport, then ease of operation is improved, but strength and stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelchair frame is divided into collapsible segments including telescoping front legs and a pivotable backrest that can fold parallel to the seat. This segmentation allows the structure to be compacted for transport while maintaining full structural integrity when assembled, as each segment can be independently adjusted or collapsed without compromising overall strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheelchair having a seat assembly and a base assembly. The base assembly includes a central frame, rear wheels, and leg assemblies. The leg assemblies are movable between at least a first position and a second position, which enables the leg assemblies to be stowed away when not in use. The seat assembly includes a seat component, a backrest component, and opposing side structures. The backrest component is connected to, and pivotable about, the side structures such that it may be folded down for storage or reclined for more comfortable sitting. The side structures include adjustable armrest assemblies that enable vertical adjustments of the armrests.