Wheelchair Back Mounting Bracket with Modular Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wheelchair back mounting systems are complex, do not allow for simple adjustment without tools, and lack the ability to accommodate different back supports between wheelchair posts, failing to provide adequate support and adjustability for users' specific needs.

Innovation Solution

A modular mounting system with triangular brackets adjustably attached to the wheelchair back, featuring interchangeable attachment hardware that allows for vertical, horizontal, and angular adjustments using a single adjustment point, including a quick-release mechanism and complementary texturing for secure positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a modular mounting system with triangular brackets and interchangeable attachment hardware is used, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to accommodate different back supportsVSAvoidcomplexity of mounting system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The triangular bracket is designed as a universal mounting component that can accommodate multiple types of attachment hardware (quick-release mechanisms, bolts, screws, cam locks, etc.). This single bracket design serves multiple functions by supporting different attachment methods, allowing the system to work with various back support types without requiring multiple specialized brackets for each attachment type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is divided into separate modular components: the triangular bracket, interchangeable attachment hardware, and vertical slot mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be independently selected and replaced based on specific needs, improving adaptability while keeping the overall system manageable through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjustment points are provided for varying angular, vertical and horizontal position, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of back positionVSAvoidsimplicity of adjustment operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical slot and triangular bracket are combined into a single integrated adjustment mechanism. The bracket slides within the vertical slot to simultaneously achieve vertical, horizontal, and angular adjustments of the back support through one motion, eliminating the need for multiple separate adjustment points and simplifying operation to a single action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system employs dynamic adjustment capabilities where the triangular bracket can slide freely within the vertical slot during installation and adjustment, then lock into position. This dynamic mechanism provides multi-dimensional adjustability (vertical, horizontal, angular) through a single movable component rather than requiring multiple fixed adjustment points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If attachment hardware is secured to the bracket for mounting back to wheelchair post, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of back attachmentVSAvoidcomplexity of attachment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment hardware is designed to be self-securing through mechanisms like quick-release latches, cam locks, or friction-fit components that automatically engage and lock into the triangular bracket and wheelchair post. These self-service features provide reliable attachment without requiring additional tools or complex multi-step securing procedures, maintaining security while minimizing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3057555B1Wheelchair back mounting system
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 ROHO INC
  • EP3057555B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3057555B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3057555B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A system for attaching a wheelchair back to wheelchair posts comprising a bracket and interchangeable attachment hardware secured to the bracket. In one aspect the bracket can be adjusted vertically relative to the wheelchair back and can be adjusted on a horizontal path. In one aspect, the angular orientation of the attachment hardware can be adjusted to adjust the angular position of the wheelchair back relative to the wheelchair seat and posts. In one aspect the attachment hardware is represented by a hanger assembly. In one aspect the attachment hardware is represented by an expansion plug assembly for insertion into the open tubular end of a wheelchair post.