Compact Wheelchair Platform with Forward Pivot Axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheelchair platforms are bulky and heavy due to stabilizing chassis, limiting their transportability and space efficiency in clinical environments, and often have limited tilting angles for stability reasons.
Innovation Solution
A compact wheelchair platform design with a pivot axis positioned forward of the back wall and above the base, combined with actuating means located forward of the back wall, reduces the need for a stabilizing chassis and allows for increased tilting angles, featuring hydraulic rams that retract to minimize space usage and a hinged platform for folding when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a stabilizing chassis is used to ensure platform stability when tilted, then stability is improved, but the platform becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the stabilizing chassis from the platform design entirely. Instead, stability is achieved through the positioning of the pivot axis forward of the back wall and above the base, combined with hydraulic rams that retract to minimize space usage. This extraction of the chassis eliminates the bulky and heavy structure while maintaining stability through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the position parameters of the pivot axis (forward of back wall, above base) and the actuating means (forward of back wall) to achieve stability without a chassis. This parameter change allows the platform to maintain stability through geometric configuration rather than additional structural support.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a stabilizing chassis is used to ensure platform stability when tilted, then stability is improved, but space efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing chassis is removed from the design, eliminating the large footprint associated with traditional chassis-based stabilization. The platform achieves stability through pivot axis positioning and retractable hydraulic rams, resulting in a more compact overall footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic rams are designed to retract when not in use, dynamically changing the platform's occupied space. This dynamic configuration allows the platform to minimize its footprint during storage and transport while maintaining stability during operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the pivot axis is positioned rearward of the back wall for stability, then stability is improved, but the tilting angle is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the pivot axis forward of the back wall and above the base, changing the geometric parameters of the tilting mechanism. This parameter change allows for increased tilting angles while maintaining stability through the forward positioning of the pivot axis and the use of hydraulic rams for controlled actuation.
4Force
If hydraulic rams are extended to provide lifting force, then lifting capability is improved, but space usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic rams are designed to retract into a compact configuration when not providing lifting force. This dynamic retraction minimizes the volume occupied by the actuating mechanism during storage and transport, while full lifting capability is restored when the rams are extended for operation.
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 design enhances stability and comfort for users, reduces the platform's weight and size, and allows for larger tilting ranges, making it more suitable for clinical environments by minimizing space requirements and facilitating easier transport and storage.
Implementation Method 1
The platform is tiltable about a pivot axis by a pair of hydraulic rams
Implementation Method 2
the centre of gravity of the platform, with the load of the person sat in the wheelchair, is kept forward of the back wall
Data Source
AI summary
A wheelchair platform comprises a tilting platform for a wheelchair comprising a base to support the wheelchair in use and a back wall. The platform is pivotably connected between a pair of side supports in a compact construction. Actuators, such as hydraulic rams, are operable to tilt the platform. The pivot axis for the platform is forward of the back wall and above the base. The actuators are also forward of the back wall. The platform swings forward when tilting. The base may be hinged approximately half way along its length to allow the front half to be folded over for storage.