Auxiliary Wheelchair Mobility System with Concentric Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheelchair conversion systems into tricycles are complex, cumbersome, and fail to adapt to different ergonomic needs, often requiring professional installation and altering other geometric parameters undesirably.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary mobility system with a frame, wheel-bearing parts, and steering elements that allow for simple and practical conversion, featuring telescopic and adjustable components for horizontal and vertical alignment, a concentric rotation mechanism, and optional motor-driven traction and braking, enabling users to convert a traditional wheelchair into a tricycle without needing an installer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sleeve mechanism is used for wheelchair conversion to tricycle, then the conversion is achieved, but the installation becomes highly complex and cumbersome requiring professional installer intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion system is divided into separate modular components: a conversion frame assembly that attaches to the wheelchair, a tricycle frame assembly with front wheel and steering mechanisms, and connection elements. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured, adjusted, and installed, significantly reducing installation complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion system incorporates adjustable and movable components including telescopic connection elements that allow horizontal distance regulation, vertical positioning mechanisms for frame height adjustment, and rotatable bearing parts for steering. These dynamic features enable simple user-adjustable geometry adaptation without complex fixed mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sleeve mechanism is used for wheelchair conversion, then the conversion is achieved, but the geometry adaptation to different ergonomic needs is incorrect and cannot be properly adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs telescopic connection elements with adjustable lengths, vertical positioning mechanisms with multiple height settings, and rotatable bearing parts that allow the geometry to be dynamically adjusted to match different user ergonomic requirements. These dynamic adjustment capabilities enable correct adaptation to various users without complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion system allows independent adjustment of key geometric parameters including horizontal distance between wheelchair and tricycle frame, vertical height of the frame, and steering angle of the front wheel. These parameter changes enable proper ergonomic adaptation for different users while maintaining simple adjustment mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional conversion systems are used, then the basic conversion is achieved, but the regulation of characteristic parameters causes unwanted alteration of other parameters preventing final coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion system separates the regulation of different geometric parameters into independent adjustable components: telescopic elements for horizontal distance, vertical positioning mechanisms for height, and rotatable bearings for steering angle. This segmentation allows each parameter to be regulated independently without causing unwanted alterations to other parameters, enabling final coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates multiple degrees of freedom with independent adjustment mechanisms for each geometric parameter. The telescopic connection elements allow horizontal adjustment without affecting vertical positioning, while vertical mechanisms adjust height without altering horizontal distance. This dynamic independence enables comprehensive parameter regulation without coupling conflicts.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an auxiliary mobility system for a wheelchair, comprising a frame, at least one wheel-bearing part and at least one steering element or handlebar, said bearing part being connected to the frame such that it can rotate concentrically about its axial axis under the action of the steering element. The system also comprises means for rotating the bearing part concentrically in relation to an axis substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the wheel.