Wheelchair Support Bracket with Selective Orbital Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheelchair support assemblies often require multiple hands to reposition, making it difficult for caregivers or users to adjust supports like knee adductors, especially when only one hand is available or when reaching across the chair is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly with a fixable portion mounted to the wheelchair and a rotatable portion that can be temporarily swung out of the way using a one-handed release mechanism, allowing precise return to the original position, featuring a keyway system for locking and unlocking the orientation of the rotatable portion relative to the fixable portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a support assembly uses a fixed bracket configuration to maintain precise positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because multiple hands are required to reposition the support
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed with a dynamic release mechanism that allows it to transition between a locked fixed configuration for precise positioning and an unlocked movable configuration for easy repositioning. The spring-loaded key member automatically engages with the keyway to lock the bracket in place during normal use, but can be disengaged with a single hand action to allow movement when needed.
2Ease of operation
If a support assembly allows easy repositioning with one hand, then ease of operation is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates because precise return to original position becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket incorporates a self-aligning mechanism where the keyway and key member automatically guide the bracket back to its precise locked position after movement. When the bracket is moved to a new position and then locked, the key-member engagement with the keyway ensures accurate positioning without requiring manual alignment, allowing easy repositioning while maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a support assembly uses a multi-part bracket with loose connection to enable temporary separation, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket design merges the separation and reengagement functions into a single integrated mechanism. The two bracket halves remain loosely connected through a central linkage that incorporates the release mechanism, allowing them to be temporarily separated for adaptability while the merged structure minimizes overall complexity compared to completely separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A support assembly includes a fixable portion and a rotatable portion. The fixable portion is adapted to be fixedly mounted to a wheelchair and includes a shaft having a keyway formed therein that is supported by one or more mounts. The rotatable portion is received on the shaft and is in selective locked engagement therewith. The rotatable portion includes a bracket body with an opening into which the shaft of the fixable portion is received and a key member providing a key. The key member is supported by the bracket body and is movable in linear translation between an engaged position in which the key is engaged with the keyway to lock a rotational orientation of the bracket body relative to the shaft and a disengaged position in which the key is disengaged from the keyway permitting the rotatable portion to rotate relative to the fixable portion.