Wheelchair Swing Deck Stabilizer Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheelchair swings lack improvements in platform design, which can affect the safety and usability of the swinging motion for individuals in wheelchairs.
Innovation Solution
The wheelchair swing features a frame assembly with a platform assembly that includes a deck, swing supports, and a deck stabilizer. The platform assembly is designed to suspend the deck from the frame assembly, allowing it to swing above the support surface, while the deck stabilizer moves between stable and swing operating positions to control the swinging motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the deck is suspended from the frame assembly to enable swinging motion, then the wheelchair swing functionality is improved, but the stability and safety of the platform is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The platform assembly incorporates a movable deck stabilizer that can dynamically change position between a raised configuration (allowing swing motion) and a lowered configuration (providing stability). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to switch between the two opposing states based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer mechanism is divided into separate functional components including a stabilizer bar, stabilizer legs, and connection mechanisms. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the stabilizer bar provides structural support while the legs provide ground contact, collectively resolving the stability-swing motion contradiction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the deck stabilizer is engaged with the support surface to prevent swinging, then the platform stability is improved, but the wheelchair swing functionality is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer is designed as a movable component that can be raised or lowered. When lowered, it engages with the support surface to provide stability for loading/unloading. When raised, it disengages to allow swinging motion. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction between stability and swing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer mechanism is designed to be manually operable by the user or caregiver, allowing them to self-adjust the stabilizer position based on whether loading/unloading or swinging is desired. This self-service capability eliminates the need for additional automated systems while resolving the functional contradiction.
3Ease of operation
If the platform assembly is designed to swing freely, then the swinging motion is improved, but the safety and control of the wheelchair positioning is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic control through the movable stabilizer and ramp mechanism. The stabilizer can be raised to allow free swinging motion, while the ramp can be positioned to control wheelchair access. This dynamic control system resolves the contradiction by allowing freedom of motion when needed while maintaining safety control when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp acts as an intermediary element between the ground and the swinging deck. It provides a controlled transition path for the wheelchair, ensuring safe positioning on the deck while allowing the deck itself to swing freely. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction between free swinging and safe positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheelchair swing that enables a wheelchair to swing above a support surface includes a frame assembly configured to extend upwardly from the support surface, and a platform assembly operatively coupled to the frame assembly. The platform assembly includes a deck configured to support a wheelchair, and a plurality of swing supports operatively coupled between the deck and the frame assembly and configured to suspend the deck from the frame assembly to enable the deck to swing above the support surface. A deck stabilizer may be operatively coupled to the deck and moveable between a stable operating position wherein the deck stabilizer is engaged with the support surface to substantially prevent the deck from swinging above the support surface, and a swing operating position wherein the deck stabilizer is disengaged from the support surface to enable the deck to swing above the support surface.