Collapsible Wheelchair Locking Mechanism with Snap-In Connecting Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding wheelchairs require complex locking mechanisms that are difficult for users to operate, especially those with limited dexterity, and often necessitate the use of both hands and additional components like belts that can be lost.
Innovation Solution
The development of connecting elements with three sections, including a detachable connection to side frame tubes and seat tubes, featuring a releasable snap-in locking mechanism facilitated by a lever, allowing for easy folding and locking with minimal effort and dexterity requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a belt and snaps are used to lock the folded wheelchair, then the wheelchair can be locked in folded position, but the locking mechanism becomes complex and requires two hands to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function with the existing connecting elements (cross brace and side frame tubes) that are already part of the folding mechanism. The connecting elements include integrated locking projections and recesses that automatically engage when the wheelchair is folded, eliminating the need for separate belts and snaps. This merging of functions reduces the number of components and simplifies operation to a single-handed action.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the wheelchair is folded. The connecting elements have locking projections that automatically align with and engage into locking recesses on the opposite side frame tube, providing self-locking functionality without requiring manual intervention beyond the initial folding action.
2Reliability
If additional components like belts are added for locking, then the locking function is achieved, but the risk of losing components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is integrated into the existing connecting elements that are permanently attached to the wheelchair frame. The locking projections and recesses are built-in features of the connecting elements, eliminating the need for separate, detachable belts or snaps that could be lost. All locking components remain permanently attached to the wheelchair structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the locking function from separate, detachable components (belts and snaps) and integrates it directly into the connecting elements. This extraction of the locking mechanism from detachable accessories and its incorporation into the permanent frame structure eliminates the risk of losing locking components.
3Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with belts and snaps is used, then the wheelchair can be locked securely, but users with limited dexterity cannot operate it easily
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged with the folding action itself. The connecting elements are designed so that the folding motion automatically brings the locking projections into engagement with the locking recesses. This integration means that any user who can perform the folding action can also lock the wheelchair, regardless of dexterity limitations that would prevent operation of complex manual locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism performs the locking action automatically during the folding process. The geometry of the connecting elements ensures that as the wheelchair is folded, the locking projections naturally align and engage with the recesses without requiring additional manual manipulation, making it accessible to users with limited dexterity.
Data Source
Figure 1~3b
Figure 4a~4b
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The folding wheelchair has a connecting element with three sections, where the former section is connected with a side frame tube (200). The latter section is connected with a seat tube, through which the three sections of the two connecting elements are connected with each other. The three sections are components of the device for locking the folding wheelchair in its folded position.