Wheelchair Seating Clamp Assembly for Variable Frame Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheelchair seating systems lack versatility in accommodating various frame sizes and shapes, making it difficult to securely attach and adjust seating components, particularly for users with unique spinal structures or non-standard wheelchair configurations.
Innovation Solution
The development of a clamping device using wedge members and latching assemblies that allow for adjustable and removable seating assemblies, capable of engaging cylindrical and non-cylindrical frame components of different diameters and shapes, enabling secure attachment and customizable positioning of seating components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing wheelchair seating systems use fixed attachment mechanisms, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to various frame diameters and shapes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is designed with a universal attachment mechanism that can accommodate various frame diameters and shapes through adjustable wedge members and quick connect components, allowing the same device to function across multiple frame configurations without requiring different attachment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism incorporates movable and adjustable components including wedge members that can be positioned at different angles and quick connect elements that can be rapidly adjusted, transforming a static fixed attachment system into a dynamic adaptable one
2Ease of operation
If existing seating systems use permanent attachment methods, then the structural stability is high, but the ease of assembly and disassembly is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate modular components including wedge members, quick connect elements, and clamping mechanisms that can be independently assembled and disassembled, allowing easy separation while maintaining stable connection when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The quick connect components serve as intermediary elements between the seating assembly and wheelchair frame, providing a standardized interface that enables rapid attachment and detachment while ensuring stable connection during use through the wedge locking mechanism
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing systems lack adjustment mechanisms, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to accommodate non-standard spinal structures is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The seating assembly incorporates adjustable components that can be dynamically repositioned to accommodate different spinal structures, including adjustable wedge angles and movable clamping positions that adapt to various user anatomies
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanisms allow changing of geometric parameters such as wedge angle, clamping force, and component positioning to match different spinal configurations, transforming a fixed-parameter system into one with variable parameters
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 a secure, adjustable, and removable seating system that can accommodate a wide range of wheelchair frame sizes and shapes, ensuring proper user support and ease of assembly/disassembly, while reducing the need for multiple hardware configurations.
Implementation Method 1
two wedge members that are forced together to engage a frame component
Implementation Method 2
moving a protrusion into a recess
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses several embodiments of clamping devices and quick connect attachment devices. In one embodiment, a clamping device includes two wedge members that are forced together to engage a frame component. In another embodiment, a quick connect attachment or latching assembly includes components that slide together and are then fixed, by moving a protrusion into a recess.