Wheelchair Positioning Arm with One-Hand Joint Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning apparatuses for mobility devices like wheelchairs lack flexibility and require significant strength and dexterity to adjust, limiting user independence, especially for individuals with musculoskeletal disorders or those using electronic speech generating devices.
Innovation Solution
A versatile positioning apparatus with rotatable joints, adjustable armatures, and a tiltable platform, featuring actuation levers for easy repositioning and locking mechanisms, along with an adjustable friction system to accommodate varying user strengths and movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing positioning apparatuses are designed for specific devices with fixed positions, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning apparatus is designed with a universal base unit that can be mounted to various mobility devices including wheelchairs, walkers, and hospital beds. The apparatus can hold multiple types of objects (trays, electronic devices, communication devices) and be positioned in different locations, making it multi-functional and adaptable to different users and situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates multiple rotatable joints (shoulder joint, elbow joint, wrist joint) that allow dynamic repositioning of the armature and platform. Each joint can be independently adjusted to different angles and positions, enabling the apparatus to adapt to various user needs and environmental conditions while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If positioning apparatuses require significant strength and dexterity to adjust, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus replaces complex mechanical adjustment systems with a simplified lever-based mechanism. Each joint is equipped with an actuation lever that, when pulled, releases a locking mechanism allowing smooth rotation. This substitution reduces the strength and dexterity required for adjustment while maintaining stable positioning when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage with simple lever movements. The user only needs to pull the lever to unlock and push it to lock, without requiring sustained force or complex manual manipulation. The system serves itself by maintaining its position through the locking mechanism without continuous user input.
3Ease of operation
If positioning apparatuses lack repositioning capability, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of independence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed with multiple rotatable joints that can be independently adjusted and locked into position. The shoulder joint allows rotation of the armature, the elbow joint adjusts the armature angle, and the wrist joint rotates the platform. This dynamic capability enables users to reposition objects independently without caregiver assistance, reducing loss of independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is divided into multiple independently adjustable segments (shoulder joint, elbow joint, wrist joint, platform). Each segment can be adjusted separately and locked in place, allowing incremental repositioning. This segmentation enables users to make small adjustments as needed without moving the entire apparatus, saving time and effort.
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
Enables users to easily and independently position and reposition objects, enhancing mobility and reducing caregiver reliance by allowing adjustments with minimal strength and dexterity, thereby improving user independence and reducing fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
An adjustable friction system within each joint can also be employed in addition to, or in lieu of, the locking mechanism to apply a frictional force that provides variable resistance to the rotation of the joint.
Data Source
AI summary
Positioning apparatuses mountable to a wheelchair or other such device are disclosed. An illustrative positioning apparatus can include a base unit, a number of armatures each defining an extension of the apparatus, a number of rotatable joints adapted to permit movement of the armatures, and a platform adapted to support one or more objects. A number of actuation levers connected to the rotatable joints can be used to simultaneously unlock each of the joints in a single step, allowing the apparatus to be easily repositioned. A locking mechanism within each joint may permit one or more user-defined locking positions to be set on the joint. A temporary lock-out mechanism within each joint results in the unlocking of each joint until the armatures are rotated away from the locked position, allowing operation of the device with one hand.