Wheelchair Propulsion Drive With Linear Suspension Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auxiliary power drives for manual wheelchairs face challenges in ease of attachment and detachment, and in transferring propulsion forces effectively between the wheelchair and the travel surface.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion system for manual wheelchairs that includes a mounting clamp and a propulsion drive unit with a drive wheel assembly and a support suspension. The support suspension features a linear bearing and slide member assembly, along with a resilient suspension member to provide tractive effort, and an actuator for selective linear movement of the carriage between a drive position and a stowed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If add-on auxiliary power drives are attached to structural elements of the manual wheelchair, then auxiliary propulsion capability is provided, but ease of attachment and detachment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is divided into separable modules: a drive unit with drive wheel and motor, and a mounting clamp that attaches to the wheelchair frame. This segmentation allows the auxiliary power drive to be easily attached and detached while maintaining reliable propulsion capability when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
A mounting clamp serves as an intermediary component between the drive unit and the wheelchair structural elements. The clamp provides a standardized interface that simplifies attachment and detachment operations while ensuring secure connection during use.
2Reliability
If add-on auxiliary power drives are attached to structural elements of the manual wheelchair, then auxiliary propulsion capability is provided, but transfer of propulsion forces between the wheelchair and the travel surface becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support suspension includes a linear bearing and slide member assembly that allows the drive wheel assembly to move linearly relative to the manual wheelchair. This dynamic adjustment enables optimal positioning of the drive wheel on the travel surface, improving the efficiency of propulsion force transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient suspension member provides adjustable tractive effort force to the drive wheel, allowing optimization of the contact force between the drive wheel and travel surface. This parameter adjustment enhances the efficiency of propulsion force transfer while adapting to different surface conditions.
3Productivity
If the drive wheel assembly is supported on a carriage with linear bearing and slide member, then linear movement is accommodated improving force transfer, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex support suspension mechanism is extracted as a separate, modular component within the drive unit, distinct from the wheelchair structure itself. This extraction contains the complexity within the removable auxiliary device while maintaining simplicity of the base wheelchair.
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 enables easy attachment and detachment, efficient transfer of propulsion forces, and improved traction, reducing user fatigue and enhancing mobility for users of manual wheelchairs.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient suspension member that provides a tractive effort force to the drive wheel
Implementation Method 2
a linear bearing and slide member assembly having at least one linear bearing and a slide member for accommodating the linear movement of the drive wheel assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A propulsion system for a manual wheelchair includes a mounting clamp and a propulsion drive unit having a drive wheel assembly and a support suspension. The support suspension is configured to provide linear movement of the drive wheel and drive hub assembly relative to the manual wheelchair. The support suspension includes a linear bearing and slide member assembly having at least one linear bearing and a slide member for accommodating the linear movement of the drive wheel assembly and further includes a resilient suspension member that provides a tractive effort force to the drive wheel. The drive wheel assembly is supported on a carriage that is attached to one of the at least one linear bearing or the slide member and a mounting block is attached to the other. The mounting block has a clamp interface with a locating tab that engages a corresponding mounting slot in the mounting clamp.