Dampening system for wheelchair and wheelchair therewith

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wheelchairs lack effective vibration dampening systems, leading to discomfort and fatigue for users due to the transfer of vibrations from rough surfaces, as traditional materials like aluminum are stiff and do not absorb vibrations well, and existing suspension systems compromise efficiency and stability.

Innovation Solution

A dampening system that uses elastomeric bushings with radial projections housed in cylindrical tubes to isolate the seat frame from the base frame, allowing for efficient vibration absorption in radial and axial directions, while maintaining a rigid base frame and wheels for efficient propulsion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid aluminum frame is used for the wheelchair base, then strength and lightweight properties are improved, but vibration absorption capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe strengthVSAvoidvibration transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wheelchair frame is segmented into a rigid base frame and a separate seat frame, connected through elastomeric dampening bushings. This segmentation allows the base frame to remain rigid for strength while the seat frame is isolated to reduce vibration transmission to the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Elastomeric dampening bushings are introduced as intermediary elements between the base frame and seat frame. These bushings act as mediators that transmit necessary mechanical loads while filtering out harmful vibrations through their elastomeric properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If resilient suspension systems are used to support the frame, then vibration dampening is improved, but stability and energy efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration dampeningVSAvoidwheelchair stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a full suspension system throughout the frame, dampening is applied locally at specific connection points between the base frame and seat frame through elastomeric bushings. This localized approach provides vibration isolation while maintaining overall frame stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If softer materials are used for seat cushions and backs, then comfort is improved, but propulsion efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser comfortVSAvoidpropulsion efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The wheelchair is segmented into a rigid base frame for efficient propulsion and a separately mounted seat frame with elastomeric dampening for user comfort. This segmentation allows the propulsion system to remain rigid and efficient while the seating area provides comfort through vibration isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Object-affected harmful factors

If suspension systems are used to absorb vibration, then vibration absorption is improved, but energy loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration absorptionVSAvoidpropulsion energy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Elastomeric bushings serve as intermediary elements that selectively absorb vibration energy while transmitting propulsive forces. The elastomeric material's viscoelastic properties allow it to dissipate high-frequency vibrations while maintaining mechanical efficiency for propulsion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric bushings are designed with specific durometer and dimensional parameters optimized to absorb vibration frequencies encountered during wheelchair use while maintaining sufficient stiffness for efficient power transmission during propulsion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Effectively reduces user discomfort by isolating the seat frame from the base frame's vibrations, maintaining propulsion efficiency, and enhancing stability by absorbing vibrations without energy loss, thus improving the overall wheelchair experience.

Implementation Method 1

the bushings compress and return to their original shape. If the bushings were a solid elastomer within a tube, the elastomer would have no way to translate the vibration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The projections can compress and fill the voids. This allows the voids to absorb vibration transmitted through the wheelchair frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11259974B1Dampening system for wheelchair and wheelchair therewith

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 KI MOBILITY LLC

AI summary

A dampening system is efficient in dampening vibration through a wheelchair frame. The system allows a lower base frame and wheels to be rigidly attached, while an upper seat frame is joined to the base frame through elastomeric dampening bushings to isolate the seat frame from the base frame. The bushings may be hidden in vertical upright tubes of the base frame. The bushings can also be used for supporting front caster forks and/or a rear axle assembly in isolation to the base frame.