Electric Wheelchair Mechanical Coupling for Lying Position

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric wheelchairs with standing functions do not adequately support users in lying positions, lacking anatomical adaptation and requiring separate adjustments for headrests and armrests, which complicates the mechanical structure and user operation.

Innovation Solution

The integration of mechanical coupling means that automatically adjust the headrest and armrests when the backrest is moved into a lying position, aligning them to form obtuse angles for improved support, utilizing a pivoting lever mechanism and gas pressure springs to simplify the structure and enhance user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate electric motor drives are provided for adjusting headrest and armrests independently, then adjustment precision and user comfort are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndependent adjustment of headrest and armrestsVSAvoidMultiple motor drives and control systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the adjustment functions of headrest and armrests into a single integrated mechanism. When the backrest is adjusted between sitting and lying positions, the mechanical coupling automatically coordinates the movement of headrest and armrests, eliminating the need for separate motor drives while maintaining synchronized adjustment capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single motor drive system performs multiple functions: it adjusts the backrest position and simultaneously controls the headrest and armrests through mechanical coupling. This multi-functional approach reduces system complexity while maintaining comprehensive adjustment capability for all support components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If mechanical coupling means are integrated to automatically adjust headrest and armrests with backrest, then device complexity is reduced, but adjustment adaptability and user comfort may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIntegrated mechanical coupling mechanismVSAvoidAnatomical adaptation in lying position

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical coupling is pre-designed with fixed geometric relationships that automatically position the headrest and armrests at anatomically correct angles when the backrest reaches the lying position. The obtuse angle configuration is built into the coupling mechanism, ensuring proper anatomical support without requiring real-time user adjustment or complex control algorithms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical coupling acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates backrest movement into coordinated headrest and armrest adjustment. This intermediary structure ensures that the support surfaces form the required obtuse angles with the backrest, providing anatomical adaptation through pure mechanical means rather than electronic control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution provides enhanced support and ease of use by automatically adjusting the headrest and armrests to anatomically favorable positions, reducing the need for separate motor drives and improving the wheelchair's functionality and user engagement with the lying position.

Implementation Method 1

a gas pressure spring arrangement (30) assigned to the second electromotive linear drive (28) and connected in parallel with the second electromotive linear drive (28) for drive purposes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas pressure spring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

mechanical coupling means which are designed and connected to the headrest (16) and/or the armrests (18) in such a way that when the backrest (12) is adjusted to the lying position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical coupling: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

The mechanical coupling means comprise a pivoting lever (38) which is arranged and operatively connected between the base body (4) and the backrest part (10)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever mechanism: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP3603597B1Electric wheelchair with alignment function

Publication Date: 2024.10.30 MEYRA

Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C

AI summary

An electric wheelchair 2 according to the invention with a standing function is characterized by mechanical coupling means which are designed and connected to a headrest 16 and/or to armrests 18 such that when a backrest 12 is adjusted from the sitting position to the lying position, the headrest 16 is adjusted relative to the backrest 12 from a headrest sitting position to a headrest lying position and/or the armrests 18 are adjusted relative to the backrest 12 from an armrest sitting position to an armrest lying position.