Wheelchair Armrest Holder with Gravity Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing armrest mounting systems for wheelchairs, especially those with collapsing and extending mechanisms, are expensive, heavy, limit design freedom, and are not adaptable to different orientations, requiring custom work for advanced armrests.
Innovation Solution
A holder system with a first part mounted on a carrier and a second part that rotates horizontally, equipped with a sensor to measure orientation relative to gravitational force, a controllable drive, and a control unit to maintain a preferred armrest orientation, allowing for independent operation regardless of the carrier's orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical transmission systems (rod assemblies and parallelograms) are used to maintain armrest orientation, then the armrest can be held at a fixed angle relative to the backrest, but the system becomes expensive, heavy, and mechanically complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical transmission systems (rod assemblies and parallelograms) with an electronic control system comprising a sensor for detecting carrier orientation, a controllable drive mechanism, and a control unit. This substitution eliminates the need for elaborate mechanical linkages while maintaining armrest orientation stability through active electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor as an intermediary element that detects the orientation of the movable carrier relative to gravity. This sensor provides feedback to the control unit, which then actuates the controllable drive to maintain the armrest at the desired angle, serving as a mediator between the moving carrier and the armrest positioning system.
2Reliability
If mechanical transmission systems are used to maintain armrest orientation, then the armrest remains stable, but the system becomes heavy and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical transmission components (rod assemblies, parallelograms, and associated linkages) with a lightweight electronic control system. The controllable drive, guided by sensor feedback, provides the necessary positioning function with significantly reduced mass compared to traditional mechanical solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the armrest mounting system by transitioning from passive mechanical linkages to an active control system that continuously adjusts the armrest position based on sensor data. This allows for lighter construction materials while maintaining orientation stability through dynamic control rather than rigid mechanical constraints.
3Reliability
If mechanical transmission systems are used, then armrest orientation is maintained, but the system limits design freedom and is not adaptable to different carriers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal mounting system that can be adapted to different types of movable carriers (wheelchairs, standing frames, etc.) through the use of a sensor-based control system. The electronic control architecture and controllable drive mechanism can be configured for various carrier types without requiring custom mechanical transmissions for each application, enabling multi-functionality and broad adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic control system that can adapt to different carrier orientations and movement patterns. The sensor continuously monitors the carrier's position relative to gravity, and the control unit dynamically adjusts the armrest positioning accordingly, allowing the same system to function effectively across multiple carrier types and configurations rather than being fixed to a single mechanical design.
4Reliability
If mechanical transmission systems are used, then armrest orientation is controlled, but the system is susceptible to mechanical disruption and adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical transmission components (rod assemblies, parallelograms, joints, and linkages) with an electronic control system. This substitution eliminates the mechanical failure modes associated with wear, loosening, and disruption of mechanical connections, replacing them with electronic sensors and controlled actuators that are less susceptible to mechanical disruption and easier to diagnose and repair.
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
The system ensures the armrest maintains its preferred orientation during transitions between sitting and standing positions, enhancing adaptability and reducing mechanical complexity and costs, while being applicable to various movable carriers.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for generating a measurement signal which represents the rotational orientation of the second holder part relative to the gravitational force
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a holder for mounting an arm support on a movable carrier, particularly a wheelchair having a first position for transporting persons in a sitting position and a second position for transporting persons in a standing position, comprising a first holder part mountable on the carrier, a second holder part, connected to the first holder part for rotating at least about a rotation axis extending horizontally at least in a position of use, for mounting the arm support thereon, a sensor for generating a measurement signal which represents the rotational orientation of the second holder part relative to the gravitational force, a controllable drive for rotating the second holder part about the rotation axis relative to the first holder part, and a control for controlling the drive on the basis of the measurement signal.