Wheelchair Pin Platform Guard with Slit Cover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wheelchair designs with detachable leg rests leave exposed pin platform plates that can cause injuries to patients when the leg rests are removed, as previous solutions like using towels or tape are unsanitary, visually unappealing, and difficult to apply or remove.

Innovation Solution

A protection cover member with a longitudinal slit and hole, made of flexible and compressible plastic, that fits over the pin platform plate and peg, providing cushioning, comfort, and ease of use, and is washable and adaptable to various sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If towels or tape are wrapped around the wheelchair frame to protect the patient's legs, then protection is provided, but the solution is unsanitary, visually unappealing, and difficult to apply or remove

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from pin platform injuryVSAvoidease of application and removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protection device is divided into two main segments: a cover member that covers the pin platform and a strap member that secures the cover member. This segmentation allows the cover to be easily attached and removed while providing effective protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The strap member acts as an intermediary element that secures the cover member to the wheelchair frame without requiring direct attachment to the pin platform itself, simplifying the attachment and removal process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If towels or tape are wrapped around the wheelchair frame to protect the patient's legs, then protection is provided, but the solution is unsanitary and visually unappealing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from pin platform injuryVSAvoidhygiene and aesthetic quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover member can be made from disposable or easily washable materials, ensuring hygiene while providing protection. The simple construction allows for easy cleaning or replacement without complex components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the pin platform plate is exposed when leg rests are removed, then the leg rest support function is maintained, but the exposed plate causes open wounds to the patient's legs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleg rest support functionalityVSAvoidrisk of leg injury

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover member is positioned over the pin platform in advance to prevent direct contact between the patient's legs and the exposed plate, countering the potential harmful effect before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The cover member serves as an intermediary barrier between the pin platform plate and the patient's legs, allowing the pin platform to remain in place for structural support while preventing injury through the covering layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10596049B2Wheelchair pin platform guard

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 SMITH LAURA

AI summary

According to some embodiments, a device to be used with a wheelchair having a leg rest support called pin platform is disclosed. The pin platform includes a plate for supporting a detachable leg rest. The device includes a protection cover member having a longitudinal slit adapted to receive the plate of the leg rest support member.