Wheelchair Swing Away System for Multiple Joystick Control Locations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wheelchair joystick support structures lack the necessary adjustability to allow users to position their wheelchair near a table or work desk, limiting the availability of multiple joystick control locations.
Innovation Solution
A wheelchair swing away system comprising a first mounting rod attached to the wheelchair by a mounting bracket, a second mounting rod rotatably connected to the first through a pivot pin, and a control mount connected to the second rod, allowing for sliding, rotating, and angular adjustments to provide multiple joystick control locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current wheelchair joystick support structures are used, then the joystick is supported with basic adjustability, but the range of adjustment is limited and does not permit full adjustability for users to sit at tables or work stations
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments (first rod, second rod, mounting bracket) that can be independently adjusted. The first rod provides horizontal adjustment, the second rod provides vertical adjustment, and the mounting bracket provides angular adjustment, allowing the joystick to be positioned at multiple locations including near tables or work stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, multi-position adjustable system. The mounting bracket allows the first rod to rotate and slide, while the second rod can rotate and be positioned at different heights, enabling the joystick to move between multiple locations based on user needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the joystick support structure is made more adjustable to allow multiple control locations, then user versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a mounting bracket for attachment to the wheelchair, a first rod for horizontal positioning, and a second rod for vertical positioning. Each segment has a specific pivot pin and adjustment mechanism, allowing independent control of each degree of freedom while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure adds multiple dimensions of adjustment: horizontal movement via the first rod, vertical movement via the second rod, and angular adjustment via the mounting bracket. This multi-dimensional capability enables the joystick to be positioned at various locations including near tables or work stations without requiring a completely complex redesign.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheelchair swing away system for providing a wheelchair operator multiple joystick control locations. The wheelchair swing away system includes a first mounting rod attached to a wheel chair by a mounting bracket, a second mounting rod rotatably connected to the first mounting rod through a first pivot pin and a control mount rotatably connected to the second mounting rod through a second pivot pin. The mounting bracket attaches to existing structure of the wheelchair and allows the first mounting rod to slide and rotate within the mounting bracket. The second mounting rod is comprised of a second rod that is rotatably connected to a first rod, with the rods fixed together by a fastener when a desired orientation is obtained.