Electric mobility scooter seat with balance monitoring function for seniors

Abstract

This utility model discloses a seat for an electric mobility scooter for the elderly with a balance force monitoring function, comprising: an ergonomic seat cushion, two sets of flexible pressure sensor units, and a main control unit. One set of flexible pressure sensor units is embedded in the left side of the centerline of the ergonomic seat cushion, and another set is embedded in the right side of the centerline. The two sets of flexible pressure sensor units are used to acquire the pressure of the user's buttocks against the ergonomic seat cushion during riding. The main control unit is electrically connected to the two sets of flexible pressure sensor units via flexible cables to acquire the pressure difference between the two sets of flexible pressure sensor units. This utility model acquires pressure distribution data of the ischial tuberosity support area of ​​the buttocks in real time, accurately calculates the center of gravity shift parameters during riding, thereby judging the balance status, and promptly issues an early warning and triggers the control module to take corresponding measures when the balance is abnormal, filling the technical gap in active safety monitoring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of intelligent sensing technology for assistive devices for elderly people's travel, specifically relating to a seat for an electric mobility scooter for the elderly with a balance force monitoring function. Background Technology

[0002] In the area of ​​elderly mobility safety, existing electric mobility scooters face significant technological bottlenecks:

[0003] 1. Lack of center of gravity monitoring: Traditional bicycle seats only provide physical support and cannot capture the dynamic changes in pressure in the ischial support area during riding. The ability to control the center of gravity of the hips is a core physiological indicator of the balance ability of the elderly, and abnormal deviation of the hips is directly related to the risk of falling.

[0004] 2. Delayed safety warnings: Traditional methods that rely on users' subjective perception or post-event handling lack real-time monitoring based on body biomechanical signals, making it difficult to identify abnormal balance states in a timely manner;

[0005] 3. Poor sensor adaptability: Most commercially available seat sensing solutions are designed for general scenarios, and have problems such as high structural rigidity, high signal noise, and insufficient adaptation to the body shape of the elderly. In particular, the data reliability is low under complex road conditions.

[0006] Although pressure sensing technology has been applied in the field of motion monitoring, there is still a lack of dedicated monitoring solutions for the physiological characteristics of the elderly (such as gluteal muscle atrophy and poor sitting stability). Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a seat-type monitoring system for electric mobility scooters for the elderly that conforms to the curve of the elderly's buttocks and has high anti-interference capabilities. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a seat for an electric mobility scooter for the elderly with a balance force monitoring function. This seat collects pressure distribution data of the buttocks in real time during riding through a flexible pressure sensor unit, thereby judging the balance status. When an abnormality occurs in the balance, an alarm is issued in time and the control module is linked to take corresponding measures.

[0008] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution.

[0009] An electric mobility scooter seat with balance force monitoring function for the elderly includes: an ergonomic seat cushion, two sets of flexible pressure sensor units, and a main control unit. One set of flexible pressure sensor units is embedded in the left side of the center line of the ergonomic seat cushion, and another set of flexible pressure sensor units is embedded in the right side of the center line of the ergonomic seat cushion. The two sets of flexible pressure sensor units are used to obtain the pressure of the user's buttocks on the ergonomic seat cushion when riding. The main control unit is electrically connected to the two sets of flexible pressure sensor units respectively through flexible ribbon cables, and is used to obtain the pressure difference between the two sets of flexible pressure sensor units and control the speed of the electric mobility scooter for the elderly.

[0010] In the above technical solution, the main control unit includes: MCU, analog-to-digital conversion module, Wheatstone bridge, instrumentation amplifier, control module, alarm module and power supply module, wherein the power supply module provides power to the MCU and Wheatstone bridge;

[0011] The Wheatstone bridge is electrically connected to two sets of flexible pressure sensor units to convert the resistance changes generated by each set of flexible pressure sensor units into analog voltage signals. The instrumentation amplifier is used to amplify the analog voltage signals output by the Wheatstone bridge to obtain amplified analog signals, and then transmit them to the analog-to-digital conversion module.

[0012] The analog-to-digital converter module is used to convert the amplified analog signal into a digital signal and then send it to the MCU; the MCU uses a calibration formula to convert the digital signal into a pressure value and then calculate the pressure difference between the two sets of flexible pressure sensor units.

[0013] The alarm module is electrically connected to the MCU and is used for early warning; the control module is electrically connected to the MCU and is used to control the speed of the electric mobility scooter for the elderly.

[0014] In the above technical solution, the MCU adopts the STM32L476 microcontroller.

[0015] In the above technical solution, the main control unit also includes: a wireless communication module, which adopts Bluetooth with model BLE5.2.

[0016] In the above technical solution, the MCU is also connected to a motion state recognition module, which is a nine-axis inertial measurement unit.

[0017] In the above technical solution, two sets of flexible pressure sensor units are symmetrically embedded in the ergonomic seat cushion at a spacing of 120-150mm.

[0018] In the above technical solution, each flexible pressure sensor unit includes two flexible pressure sensors, and the two flexible pressure sensors of the same flexible pressure sensor unit are arranged along the center line of the ergonomic seat cushion.

[0019] In the above technical solution, the surface of the ergonomic seat cushion for mounting the flexible pressure sensor has a mounting groove, the edge of the mounting groove is rounded, and the flexible pressure sensor is embedded in the mounting groove.

[0020] In the above technical solution, the minimum bending radius of the flexible pressure sensor is ≤15mm, and the linearity error of the flexible pressure sensor is ≤±1.0%.

[0021] In the above technical solution, the flexible pressure sensor is encapsulated in a mounting groove with silicone.

[0022] In the above technical solution, the silicone surface above the flexible pressure sensor is covered with a breathable woven fiber layer.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0024] 1. This utility model can issue a timely warning and link the control module to take corresponding measures when the balance of the elderly electric mobility scooter is abnormal, which effectively improves the safety of the elderly riding the electric mobility scooter; this utility model can realize graded protection of warning → speed limit → auxiliary braking, filling the technical gap of active safety monitoring when the elderly ride electric mobility scooters.

[0025] 2. This utility model is the first to apply flexible sensing technology to the seat of an electric mobility scooter for the elderly, which can acquire pressure distribution data of the ischial tuberosity support area of ​​the buttocks in real time, accurately calculate the center of gravity offset parameters during riding, and combine dynamic data processing to realize real-time assessment of balance status and risk warning. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the seat of the electric mobility scooter for the elderly according to this utility model.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main control unit in this utility model.

[0028] Among them, 1: ergonomic seat cushion, 2: flexible pressure sensor unit, 2-1: flexible pressure sensor, 3: flexible cable. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following is a detailed description of the seat of the electric mobility scooter for the elderly with balance force monitoring function, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Example 1

[0031] like Figure 1As shown, an electric mobility scooter seat for the elderly with balance force monitoring function includes: an ergonomic seat cushion 1, two sets of flexible pressure sensor units 2 and a main control unit. The ergonomic seat cushion can be designed based on the 3D scan data of the elderly's buttocks, so that its curved surface fits the elderly's buttocks with a degree of >95%, thereby improving riding comfort.

[0032] A set of flexible pressure sensor units 2 is embedded in the left side of the center line of the ergonomic seat cushion 1, and a set of flexible pressure sensor units 2 is embedded in the right side of the center line of the ergonomic seat cushion 1. The two sets of flexible pressure sensor units 2 are used to obtain the pressure of the user's buttocks on the ergonomic seat cushion 1 when riding. The main control unit is electrically connected to the two sets of flexible pressure sensor units 2 through flexible ribbon cables 3, and is used to obtain the pressure difference between the two sets of flexible pressure sensor units 2 and control the speed of the elderly electric mobility scooter (the main control unit can be installed on the elderly electric mobility scooter, and its specific location is not limited).

[0033] The working principle of the above-mentioned electric mobility scooter seat with balance monitoring function for the elderly is as follows: When riding, the pressure of the elderly's buttocks is applied to the left and right sides of the center line of the ergonomic seat. The main control unit obtains the pressure difference value of the two sets of flexible pressure sensor units. The pressure difference value can reflect the center of gravity shift and balance level during riding. When the main control unit detects an abnormal balance, it reduces the speed of the electric mobility scooter for the elderly or aligns it with the speed limit.

[0034] Example 2

[0035] A seat for an electric mobility scooter for the elderly with a balance force monitoring function, based on embodiment 1, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the main control unit includes: MCU, analog-to-digital conversion module, wireless communication module, Wheatstone bridge, instrumentation amplifier, control module, alarm module and power supply module. The power supply module provides power to the MCU and Wheatstone bridge. In this embodiment, the power supply module uses a rechargeable lithium battery (capacity of 500mAh), which, together with the MCU's intelligent sleep mechanism (standby current ≤0.3μA), can last up to 60 days.

[0036] The Wheatstone bridge is connected to two sets of flexible pressure sensor units respectively. Figure 2(Not shown) Electrical connections are used to convert the resistance changes generated by each flexible pressure sensor unit into analog voltage signals (with a linear voltage range of 0-5V when the pressure detection range is 0-300N). The instrumentation amplifier amplifies the analog voltage signal output from the Wheatstone bridge (gain 80 times) to obtain an amplified analog signal, which is then transmitted to the analog-to-digital converter module. The instrumentation amplifier is chosen because it offers significant advantages over differential amplifiers in terms of common-mode rejection ratio, input impedance, ease of gain adjustment, and noise immunity when amplifying weak, high-impedance voltage signals susceptible to strong common-mode interference.

[0037] The analog-to-digital converter (with 24-bit quantization precision) is used to convert the amplified analog signal into a digital signal before sending it to the MCU; in this embodiment, the analog-to-digital converter uses a chip of model ADS1256.

[0038] The MCU is used to convert digital signals into pressure values ​​through calibration formulas, and then calculate the pressure difference between the two sets of flexible pressure sensor units.

[0039] The alarm module is electrically connected to the MCU and is used for early warning; the control module is electrically connected to the MCU and is used to control the speed of the electric mobility scooter for the elderly.

[0040] When an elderly person rides the bicycle, the pressure of their hips on the ergonomic seat causes a change in the resistance of the flexible pressure sensor unit. This change is converted into an analog voltage signal by a Wheatstone bridge and sent to an instrumentation amplifier for amplification. The amplified analog signal is then converted into a digital signal by an analog-to-digital converter and sent to the MCU for processing. The MCU calculates the pressure difference (ΔP) between the two sets of flexible pressure sensor units in real time. When the balance is abnormal, the MCU issues an alarm through the alarm module and simultaneously slows down or limits the speed of the electric mobility scooter through the control module.

[0041] Preferably, the MCU can calculate the center of gravity offset distance using a pressure distribution mathematical model, filter invalid data using an adaptive Kalman filter combined with wavelet packet denoising algorithm, and then transmit the data to the terminal device via a wireless communication module. The adaptive Kalman filter combined with wavelet packet denoising algorithm filters pressure differences and center of gravity offset distances, ensuring that the data for bumpy road surfaces is valid (>98%). In this embodiment, the MCU is an STM32L476 microcontroller. The wireless communication module uses Bluetooth BLE5.2.

[0042] In this embodiment, the formula for calculating the center of gravity offset distance S in the pressure distribution mathematical model is: S=λ×ΔP, where λ is the individual calibration coefficient and ΔP is the pressure difference.

[0043] In this embodiment, the alarm module includes a buzzer and an LED indicator. The alarm module emits sound and light alarms to facilitate user observation and hearing, reminding them to maintain balance. The control module connects to the electric mobility scooter's motor controller and brake controller via a CAN bus. It is used to control the deceleration of the electric mobility scooter's motor (e.g., reducing the motor speed by 30%), and simultaneously sends a slight braking signal to the braking system to increase vehicle stability and assist the user in regaining balance.

[0044] The terminal device can perform the following functions:

[0045] (1) Real-time dynamic display of the pressure difference between two sets of flexible pressure sensor units to form pressure curves and center of gravity offset trajectories.

[0046] (2) It has storage function and can generate professional reports according to the riding cycle, including the trend of center of gravity control stability and statistics of high-risk scenarios (such as the frequency of center of gravity shift when riding on slopes).

[0047] (3) Based on a preset safety strategy, when the balance is abnormal, the speed limit (such as reducing from 15km / h to 8km / h) or the auxiliary braking can be automatically executed, and the seat vibration warning can be triggered at the same time.

[0048] The MCU is also connected to a motion state recognition module, which is a nine-axis inertial measurement unit (model BMI085). The MCU uses the motion state recognition module to determine the valid riding state (speed > 0.5m / s and attitude angle change > 5° / s) and can timestamp only the pressure data during the movement.

[0049] Example 3

[0050] An electric mobility scooter seat for the elderly with balance force monitoring function, wherein two sets of flexible pressure sensor units 2 are symmetrically embedded in the ergonomic seat cushion 1 at a spacing of 120-150mm, which matches the average spacing of the ischial tuberosities of the elderly.

[0051] Each flexible pressure sensor unit 2 includes two flexible pressure sensors, which are arranged along the center line of the ergonomic seat cushion 1. Each flexible pressure sensor is a piezoresistive pressure sensor.

[0052] The pressure difference between the two sets of flexible pressure sensor units 2 is determined in one of the following ways:

[0053] Method 1: The sum of the pressure values ​​of the two flexible pressure sensors in one set of flexible pressure sensor units minus the sum of the pressure values ​​of the two flexible pressure sensors in another set of flexible pressure sensor units.

[0054] Method 2: The pressure difference between the two forward flexible pressure sensors in the two sets of flexible pressure sensor units, and the pressure difference between the two rear flexible pressure sensors in the two sets of flexible pressure sensor units.

[0055] The two flexible pressure sensor units 2 solve the discomfort problem of rigid contact in traditional sensors. In this embodiment, the flexible pressure sensor 2-1 has dimensions of 80mm×50mm×2.0mm (length×width×thickness), a minimum bending radius of ≤15mm, and a linearity error of ≤±1.0% FS, accurately adapting to the natural curvature of the elderly's hips.

[0056] In this embodiment, the flexible pressure sensor 2-1 can be a flexible piezoresistive sensor disclosed in Yu Y, Zhao Y, Xue T, et al. Mechano-Filtering Encapsulation: A Stitching-Based Packaging Strategy Implementing Active Noise Suppression in Piezoresistive Pressure Sensors[J]. Micromachines, 2025, 16(4). The substrate of this flexible piezoresistive sensor is a low-density melamine sponge (density of 10 mg / cm³). 3 The surface is covered with a medical-grade elastic silicone layer (0.7mm thick, Shore A42 hardness), which combines pressure sensitivity with skin contact safety.

[0057] The left and right sides of the ergonomic seat cushion 1 are the ischial tuberosity pressure zones. A lightweight alloy frame (not shown in the figure) supports the structure of the ergonomic seat cushion 1. The lightweight alloy frame is injection molded from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, and its surface is covered with a memory foam cushioning layer (8mm thick).

[0058] The ergonomic seat cushion 1 has a mounting groove (90mm × 60mm × 3mm in size, with the depth dynamically adjusted according to the curvature of the surface) on its surface for mounting the flexible pressure sensor 2-1. The edge of the mounting groove is rounded with a radius of 6mm to enhance the impact resistance of the flexible pressure sensor 2-1. The flexible pressure sensor 2-1 is embedded in the mounting groove and encapsulated within it with silicone. The silicone surface above the flexible pressure sensor 2-1 is covered with a breathable woven fiber layer (0.5mm pore size), which improves comfort during long rides while ensuring signal transmission and reducing stuffiness during riding.

[0059] The flexible pressure sensor 2-1 is encapsulated in the mounting groove with silicone as follows: the flexible pressure sensor 2-1 is fixed to the bottom of the mounting groove with medical-grade structural adhesive, liquid silicone gel (Dow Corning OE-6650) is poured into the surface, and after curing at 70°C for 3 hours, an integrated buffer conduction layer is formed.

[0060] Preferably, the flexible cable 3 is led out from the cable outlet at the rear of the ergonomic seat cushion and connected to the main control unit using an IP68 waterproof connector.

[0061] The present invention has been described above by way of example. It should be noted that, without departing from the core of the present invention, any simple modifications, alterations or other equivalent substitutions that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative effort fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrically powered walker seat for the elderly with a balance force monitoring function, characterized by, include: The ergonomic seat cushion (1), two sets of flexible pressure sensor units (2) and a main control unit are included. One set of flexible pressure sensor units (2) is embedded in the left side of the center line of the ergonomic seat cushion (1), and another set of flexible pressure sensor units (2) is embedded in the right side of the center line of the ergonomic seat cushion (1). The two sets of flexible pressure sensor units (2) are used to obtain the pressure of the user's buttocks on the ergonomic seat cushion (1) when riding. The main control unit is electrically connected to the two sets of flexible pressure sensor units (2) respectively, and is used to obtain the pressure difference between the two sets of flexible pressure sensor units (2) and control the speed of the electric mobility scooter for the elderly.

2. The seat of the electric mobility scooter for the elderly with balance force monitoring function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main control unit includes: MCU, analog-to-digital converter module, Wheatstone bridge, instrumentation amplifier, control module, alarm module and power supply module, wherein the power supply module provides power to the MCU and Wheatstone bridge; The Wheatstone bridge is electrically connected to two sets of flexible pressure sensor units (2) respectively, and is used to convert the resistance value change generated by each set of flexible pressure sensor units (2) into an analog voltage signal. The instrumentation amplifier is used to amplify the analog voltage signal output by the Wheatstone bridge to obtain an amplified analog signal, and transmit it to the analog-to-digital conversion module. The analog-to-digital converter module is used to convert the amplified analog signal into a digital signal and then send it to the MCU; the MCU is used to convert the digital signal into a pressure value and then calculate the pressure difference between the two sets of flexible pressure sensor units (2); The alarm module is electrically connected to the MCU for early warning; the control module is electrically connected to the MCU for controlling the speed of the electric mobility scooter for the elderly.

3. The seat of the electric mobility scooter for the elderly with balance force monitoring function according to claim 2, characterized in that, The MCU is also connected to a motion state recognition module, which is a nine-axis inertial measurement unit.

4. The seat of the electric mobility scooter for the elderly with balance force monitoring function according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two sets of flexible pressure sensor units (2) are symmetrically embedded in the ergonomic seat cushion (1) at a spacing of 120-150 mm.

5. The seat of the electric mobility scooter for the elderly with balance force monitoring function according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each flexible pressure sensor unit (2) includes two flexible pressure sensors (2-1), and the two flexible pressure sensors (2-1) of the same flexible pressure sensor unit (2) are arranged along the center line of the ergonomic seat cushion (1).

6. The seat of the electric mobility scooter for the elderly with balance force monitoring function according to claim 5, characterized in that, The ergonomic seat cushion (1) has a mounting groove formed on the surface where the flexible pressure sensor (2-1) is installed. The edge of the mounting groove is rounded, and the flexible pressure sensor (2-1) is embedded in the mounting groove.

7. The seat of the electric mobility scooter for the elderly with balance force monitoring function according to claim 5, characterized in that, The minimum bending radius of the flexible pressure sensor (2-1) is ≤15mm, and the linearity error of the flexible pressure sensor (2-1) is ≤±1.0%.

8. The seat of the electric mobility scooter for the elderly with balance force monitoring function according to claim 6, characterized in that, The flexible pressure sensor (2-1) is encapsulated in a mounting groove with silicone, and the silicone surface above the flexible pressure sensor (2-1) is covered with a breathable braided fiber layer.

9. The seat of the electric mobility scooter for the elderly with balance force monitoring function according to claim 2, characterized in that, The MCU uses the STM32L476 microcontroller.

10. The seat of the electric mobility scooter for the elderly with balance force monitoring function according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main control unit also includes a wireless communication module, which uses Bluetooth with model number BLE5.2.

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