Wheelchair Towing Coupler with Quick-Disconnect Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wheelchair users face reduced mobility and lack of participation in activities like cycling due to the absence of effective systems for connecting a wheelchair to vehicles for towing, and many vehicles cannot accommodate wheelchairs without extensive modifications.
Innovation Solution
A wheelchair towing coupler that connects a wheelchair to a vehicle's structural member or existing hitch, enabling towing with an occupant and allowing the user to decouple independently, featuring a rigid structural member, quick-disconnect couplers, and adjustable components for comfort and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wheelchair is connected to a vehicle for towing, then mobility and participation in activities like cycling is improved, but the ability to decouple independently without assistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into two independent quick-disconnect couplers: a forward coupler that connects the wheelchair to the vehicle, and a rear coupler that secures the wheelchair frame. This segmentation allows the user to independently release either connection point, enabling autonomous decoupling while maintaining secure towing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-disconnect couplers act as intermediary mechanisms between the wheelchair and vehicle, providing a controlled interface that allows both secure connection during towing and easy independent release by the user through simple manual operation of the release mechanisms.
2Strength
If a rigid structural member is used to withstand towing stresses, then towing strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid structural member serves multiple functions: it provides the primary towing connection point, supports the forward quick-disconnect coupler, and maintains the structural integrity needed to withstand towing stresses. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining strength.
3Ease of operation
If a quick-disconnect fastener is added to enable independent decoupling, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-disconnect fasteners are designed to be operated independently by the wheelchair user without requiring assistance from others. The simple manual release mechanisms allow the user to quickly and easily decouple from the vehicle autonomously, providing self-service capability that enhances ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheelchair towing coupler that connects a wheelchair for towing behind a bicycle or other vehicle by connecting the wheelchair to a structural member of the vehicle or to an existing towing hitch, that enables towing the wheelchair while occupied by a seated user and that also provides the wheelchair user with the ability to decouple from the vehicle to operate the wheelchair independently as needed.