Wheelchair Transfer Device with Segmented Platforms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Individuals with limited mobility face difficulties in transferring between a wheelchair and another apparatus, such as a handcycle, due to elevation differences and the lack of assistive devices that enable safe and efficient independent transfer.

Innovation Solution

A device with multiple platforms at varying elevations and a handrail, allowing users to transfer using their upper limbs, featuring optional adjustable shelves and support members for enhanced usability and portability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a wheelchair user attempts to transfer to another apparatus with different seat elevation, then the user can achieve mobility between different apparatuses, but the transfer becomes extremely difficult or impossible without assistive devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to transfer between apparatusesVSAvoiddifficulty of transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer apparatus is divided into multiple platforms at different elevations, creating a segmented pathway that breaks down the challenging single-step transfer into manageable incremental steps between adjacent platforms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer apparatus serves as an intermediary device between the wheelchair and the target apparatus, providing a bridge with intermediate elevation levels that facilitates the transfer process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If fixed transfer apparatus is used to assist wheelchair users, then safe and efficient transfer is achieved, but the device lacks portability and cannot be easily moved to multiple locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of transferVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer apparatus transitions from a fixed to a movable configuration, with support members that can be positioned and secured at different locations, maintaining safety functionality while enabling portability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus allows adjustment of platform elevations and support member positions to adapt to different transfer scenarios and locations, maintaining reliability across varying conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional transfer methods without elevation adjustment are used, then the transfer apparatus is simple in structure, but it cannot accommodate different seat elevations between wheelchair and target apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different elevationsVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The use of multiple discrete platforms at different elevations provides adaptability to various height differences while maintaining a relatively simple segmented structure compared to continuously adjustable mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer apparatus with multiple elevation levels can serve multiple transfer scenarios and different apparatus combinations, providing universal functionality across various applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11963914B2Interfacing wheelchairs with other apparatuses

Publication Date: 2024.04.23 CARR KEVIN JON

AI summary

Devices described in this disclosure can be used to assist persons with limited mobility to transfer themselves from a wheelchair to another apparatus, and back again. For example, this document describes devices that persons with limited use of their legs can use to transfer themselves between a wheelchair and another apparatus, such as a handcycle, that has a seat at a lower elevation than the seat of the wheelchair.