Auxiliary Frame System for Wheelchair Rear Wheel Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheelchairs lack the necessary stability and traction for outdoor use, requiring users to acquire new wheelchairs with cumbersome and expensive special constructions to adapt to varying environments.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary frame system for wheelchairs that includes wheel displacing elements, fastening elements, and anchoring links to reposition the rear wheels, providing enhanced stability and traction without the need for a new wheelchair, featuring a simple construction and quick-release mechanism for easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wheelchair frame is used, then the wheelchair is simple and inexpensive, but it lacks stability and traction for outdoor use
Solution Approach 1:
The solution divides the wheelchair system into two independent parts: the original conventional frame and the detachable auxiliary frame. The auxiliary frame can be attached when outdoor use is needed and removed when returning to indoor use, allowing the basic wheelchair to remain simple while gaining outdoor capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheelchair configuration is made dynamic through the quick-release mechanism that allows the auxiliary frame to be attached or detached based on environmental conditions. This enables the wheelchair to adapt its structure according to whether indoor or outdoor use is required.
2Reliability
If special construction wheelchairs are used to enhance outdoor stability, then stability and traction are improved, but the construction becomes cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The complex outdoor-stability-providing auxiliary frame is separated from the basic wheelchair, allowing the main wheelchair to remain simple. Only when the auxiliary frame is attached does the complex structure appear, and only when needed for outdoor use.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary frame is designed as a relatively simple detachable component rather than a permanent complex structure. It can be attached temporarily for outdoor use and removed afterward, avoiding the need for a permanently complex wheelchair design.
3Reliability
If special construction wheelchairs are used to provide outdoor stability, then traction capability is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The traction-enhancing features are contained within the detachable auxiliary frame rather than being built into the main wheelchair. This allows the expensive traction-capable structure to be used only when needed for outdoor use on rough terrain.
4Ease of operation
If quick-release systems are used for wheel replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but additional attachment points and structural elements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release mechanism serves multiple functions: it allows rapid wheel replacement on the original frame and also enables attachment and detachment of the auxiliary frame. This multi-functionality justifies the additional structural elements by providing dual utility.
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary frame system for a wheelchair, the wheelchair having a frame comprising two openings to releasably attach axle portions of rear wheels and defining between them a main rear wheel axis; wherein the auxiliary frame system comprises: a pair of wheel displacing elements; fastening elements to releasably attach each wheel displacing element to the frame of the wheelchair through the openings; wheel holders for bearing respective rear wheels of the wheelchair, wherein each of the wheel holders is associated with a respective wheel displacing element, and the wheel holders define between them a shifted rear wheel axis; at least one anchoring link to releasably secure at least one of the wheel displacing elements to the frame of the wheelchair at an additional attachment point. Also provided are wheelchairs comprising such auxiliary frame system and methods to displace the position of rear wheels of a wheelchair.