Wheelchair Frame Member With Telescoping Saddle Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheelchair frames require separate lower horizontal support bars and axle clamps for adjustable axle positioning, leading to increased weight and complexity due to the need for two uprights engaging within telescopic sleeves.
Innovation Solution
A frame design featuring a tubular elongated section with a forged transition to a saddle-shaped end part, allowing for a strong, lightweight connection that transfers weight from a seat support to a main wheel axle while resisting transverse forces, and enabling adjustable positioning without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate lower horizontal support bars and axle clamps are used for adjustable axle positioning, then the longitudinal position of the axle can be adjusted relative to the seat, but the axle supports become relatively heavy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lower horizontal support bar and axle clamp into a single integrated axle support component. This merging eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall weight and structural complexity while maintaining the ability to adjust axle position relative to the seat through the telescopic sleeve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated axle support serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides longitudinal support, enables axle position adjustment, and maintains structural integrity. The single component performs what previously required separate support bars and clamps, making the structure more efficient and lighter.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate lower horizontal support bars and axle clamps are used for adjustable axle positioning, then the longitudinal position of the axle can be adjusted relative to the seat, but the device complexity increases due to two uprights engaging within telescopic outer sleeves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lower horizontal support bar and axle clamp into one integrated component, reducing the number of parts from two separate elements to a single unified structure. This simplification maintains adjustment capability through the telescopic mechanism while reducing overall structural complexity.
3Strength
If the frame member widens at the second end into an end part including a saddle, then a relatively large contact area with the further frame member is provided, but the elongated section requires a non-uniform cross-section
Solution Approach 1:
The frame member features a non-uniform cross-section where the elongated section has a first cross-sectional area and the end part has a second, larger cross-sectional area. This local variation in geometry concentrates material where needed - at the end part with the saddle - to maximize contact area and maintain angles between frame members, while keeping the elongated section lighter.
Data Source
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AI summary
A frame member for a frame of a personal conveyance (1), e.g. a wheelchair, includes an elongated section (45,46). The elongated section (45,46) is arranged to engage a further member (43,44) in a telescoping relation at a first end of the frame member. The frame member widens at a second, opposite end, into an end part including a saddle (58,59) for receiving a further frame member (9,10) at a predominantly transverse orientation to the elongated section (45,46).