Dynamic Wheelchair Seating Components for Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wheelchairs with static seating components are prone to premature failure due to involuntary and violent movements from individuals with medical conditions like cerebral palsy, leading to damage and extended repair processes that are costly and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dynamic seating components such as flexible footplates, telescoping footrests, and pivotable mechanisms in wheelchairs that absorb energy and allow for adjustable movement, reducing the stress on wheelchair components and accommodating various user movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional static seating components are used in wheelchairs, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the components are prone to premature failure due to excessive wear and tear from involuntary user movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing static seating components with dynamic ones that can move and adapt. The footplate is connected to the footrest via a flexible element allowing pivoting movement, and the footrest can telescope along the seat member. These dynamic components absorb energy from user movements, reducing wear on the wheelchair frame and improving component durability while managing the added complexity through controlled degrees of freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the seating components, specifically making the footplate flexible rather than rigid. The flexible element connecting the footplate to the footrest allows for dynamic adjustment of the footplate angle, changing the mechanical parameters to accommodate user movements without causing damage to the wheelchair structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If static footplates and footrests are used, then the structure is stable and simple, but they cannot accommodate involuntary user movements causing damage to the wheelchair
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a footrest system that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation. The footplate can pivot relative to the footrest, and the footrest can telescope along the seat member, allowing the system to adapt to involuntary user movements. This dynamic capability absorbs the energy of user movements, preventing damage to the wheelchair frame and other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating flexible elements and telescoping mechanisms that are designed to absorb and dissipate the energy of user movements before this energy can cause damage to the wheelchair structure. The flexible element connecting the footplate acts as a cushioning mechanism, and the telescoping footrest provides a buffer against forceful movements.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If dynamic seating components are implemented, then component life is prolonged and damage is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the wheelchair operational life by implementing dynamic seating components that can adapt to user movements. The footplate pivoting mechanism and telescoping footrest allow the seating system to accommodate involuntary movements without causing damage to the wheelchair frame. While this adds complexity, the extended operational life and reduced repair needs justify the additional complexity.
4Reliability
If fixed seat-to-back angle is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but it causes damage to the wheelchair when users engage in rocking behaviors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the footplate and footrest to move relative to each other and to the seat member. The footplate can pivot, and the footrest can telescope, creating a dynamic system that accommodates user rocking behaviors. This dynamic capability absorbs the energy of rocking movements, protecting the wheelchair structure from damage while allowing users to maintain comfort and movement freedom.
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
These dynamic components minimize the risk of wheelchair breakage, prolong its operational life, and reduce the frequency and cost of repairs, while providing improved comfort and adaptability for users.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flexible element secured at a first end to the base plate; a foot plate secured to a second end of the at least one flexible element, such that in a neutral position, the foot plate is substantially parallel to the base plate and such that when a force is applied to the foot plate, the flexible element deflects so as to allow the foot plate to be oriented at an angle to the base plate
Data Source
AI summary
A wheelchair includes a pivotable mechanism. The pivotable mechanism allows for a pivoting movement about an axis defined by an interface between adjacent components. These components may be (a) a seat member and a back member, (b) a seat member and a footrest, (c) a foot rest and a footplate support, (d) a baseplate and a footplate, or (e) a back member and a headrest.