| 摘要 |
A manual propulsion mechanism for wheelchairs utilizes a lever pivotally mounted to the hub of each rear wheel such that the wheelchair user can propel the chair with push/pull movements of the levers. Forward and reverse propulsion directions are accomplished by a system of one-way reversible clutches contained in the propulsion wheel hubs which also allow the levers to be operationally disconnected such that the chair can freewheel. Operator control of direction shifting is through twisting motions imparted to the grip handles of the propulsion levers. In a preferred embodiment, improved ergonomics for propulsion direction changes are made possible by an improved short excursion clutch shifting mechanism that reduces the angle of arc through which the operator must twist the grip handle to effect the direction change. This allows the operator to retain a comfortable, stable grip on the grip handle while simultaneously propelling and controlling direction of movement.
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