A wheelchair-based complete exercise station

Abstract

The present invention provides a wheelchair integrated with an all-in-one exercise station by incorporating hub motor-based / friction drive-based wheels with additional attachments. The exercise mode is engaged by the user by immobilizing the wheelchair (100), either by powering the wheels to make them spin freely or by powering the push-rim (106), which can rotate independently off the wheels on demand. Additionally, a band or stick-like attachment (108) is provided, along with clip-on pulley elements (110) positioned on the wheelchair's frame. One end of the band (108) is attached to the circumference of the push rim (106), while the other end is held by the user for exercising. The present invention provides the necessary resistance / assistance for cardio training or resistance training without requiring traditional gym equipment.

Description

[0001] A WHEELCHAIR-BASED COMPLETE EXERCISE STATION

[0002] CROSS - REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

[0003] The embodiments herein claim the priority of Indian patent application 202341052016 filed on August 02, 2023.

[0004] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to the field of assistive technology and mobility assistance for disabled persons. More particularly, the present invention provides an exercise station mounted on a platform with powered wheels, allowing users to engage in physical activity while benefiting from enhanced mobility and ease of use.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Exercising is a fundamental activity for an individual’s health and well-being. The need for exercising becomes even more crucial for wheelchair users, as prolonged sitting in a wheelchair without physical activity can lead to muscle atrophy and weakness. The constraints of being wheelchair-bound make access to exercise equipment more challenging. Most exercises by wheelchair users are either body weight exercises or using free weights stations that do not have integrated seating within the exercise equipment. The other option is to customize equipment for better wheelchair access, which is economically not motivating for commercial fitness enterprises.

[0008] Furthermore, access to different equipment whether for cardio / aerobic exercise (such as rowing, treadmill run, elliptical) or resistance training (such as machine-assisted push / pull exercises) is challenging for wheelchair users.

[0009] To overcome this gap in the market, the present invention relates to a personal exercise station that is built on a powered wheels platform. The present invention provides the solution to overcome the present challenges. The present invention offers a wheelchair provided with powered wheels or powered push rim combined with specific attachments to be re-purposed to be used to provide resistive or aerobic exercise to the wheelchair user.

[0010] The powered wheels consist of hub motor-based wheels, and while allowing for mobility, similar to EVs. However, the present invention advances further by offering the option to immobilize the powered wheels in multiple ways when mobility is not required. The motors can interact with the user either directly or indirectly connected using rigid rods, ropes, elastic bands, or similar attachments, allowing for flexible usage and enhanced functionality. For the rope-like and elastic band-like attachments, there would be additional clip-on pulley elements, to help route the ropes / bands. When used without attachments, the motors can be used to apply resistive or assistive torque to help with wheelchair sprint / marathon training. Along with the other attachments, the station can be used to facilitate all other exercises like pulling exercises for the back and biceps, pushing exercises for the chest, triceps and shoulders, elliptical crosstrainers, rowing, etc. With simple lightweight add-ons attached to the powered wheels that are already being used for mobility, the present invention aims to give wheelchair users the same capabilities that regular gym equipment or personal exercise solution users would obtain at a much higher cost.

[0011] VARIOUS PRIOR ARTS HAVE DISCLOSED SIMILAR SYSTEMS AND METHODS:

[0012] Chinese Patent Application CN113813118A discloses an adjustable wheelchair with an upper limb training structure for rehabilitation, which comprises a supporting plate and a driving shell, wherein a backboard is arranged on the back surface of the supporting plate through an opening-closing page, outer-layer wrapping cloth is wrapped and connected on the outer surfaces of the supporting plate and the backboard, and an elastic sponge cushion is arranged on the inner side of the outerlayer wrapping cloth. Unlike our present invention, the aforementioned prior art does not provide the exercise modes and features in the wheelchair device. The prior art performs the exercise by adding a separate module to the side of the wheelchair for exercising whereas the present invention has an in-built module in the powered wheels. Moreover, the exercising module in the prior art is permanently attached to the wheelchair, while in the present invention, modular plug-n-play powered wheels can be attached / removed on demand. In the prior art, the attachment translates linearly, whereas in the present invention, it is onset by a rotational movement driven by the hub motor-based power-assist which also doubles up for exercising.

[0013] Chinese Patent Application CN210582876U discloses a medical wheelchair for exercising the lower limbs. It includes a support, cushion, guide pulley, and guide shaft connected by a belt drive. The wheelchair allows the patient’s shank and foot to move back and forth with the rotation of the guide pulley. The prior art claims that the device is solely for lower limb exercises whereas the present invention provides a system for wheelchair users to perform both aerobic and resistive upper-body exercises. Moreover, in the prior art, a separate module for exercise was permanently attached to the side of the wheelchair, while in the present invention, the power assist in the form of the powered wheels is doubly used to provide assistance / resistance, and the modular plug-n-play powered wheels are built into the system and can be attached or removed on the user’s demand.

[0014] Chinese Patent Application CN109276378A discloses a wheelchair designed for arm strength training. It includes a vehicle frame, seat, and traveling wheels, with handrails on both sides of the seat. The handrails have guide rails with sliding blocks connected to a drive rod, which links to a connecting rod and is attached to the corresponding traveling wheel. It is pertinent to note that the wheelchair device in the prior art lacks the exercise modes and features found in the present invention and is not driven by the same motors / prime movers in the power-assist device (powered wheels). In the prior art, a separate exercise module is permanently attached to the side of the wheelchair on the armrest, connected to the wheel to facilitate simultaneous exercising and mobility. However, because this attachment is connected to the wheels, exercises cannot be performed as stationary as we can with our present invention. Additionally, the exercising movements in the prior art are limited to in-plane pushing and pulling, whereas the present invention enables a range of movements based on the selected attachments.

[0015] Chinese Patent Application CN205459437U discloses an electronic wheelchair for rehabilitation training, featuring an adjustable chair back and dual hub motor-driven rear wheels. It includes shock-absorbing wheels, rear anti-tip casters, and handrail buttons for communication via an LCD. It is important to highlight that the present invention provides the system to perform the same exercises as the prior art but utilizes the existing motors within the hub-motor wheel attachments. Unlike the prior art, the present invention avoids adding heavy and expensive equipment. In the prior art, users could perform exercises by permanently attaching a separate module to the wheelchair’s armrest, which is connected to prime movers like motors. In contrast, the present invention uses the hub motors / friction drive-based motors that are already in place on the drive wheels. Additionally, the modular plug-n-play powered wheels can be attached or removed according to the user's requirements.

[0016] Considering the aforementioned prior arts, the present invention distinguishes itself in several key aspects. The present invention incorporates an exercise module that is seamlessly integrated into the powered wheels. The present invention offers a wide range of movements including pulling exercises, pushing exercises, elliptical crosstraining, and rowing by means of connecting using rigid rod like, rope-like, elastic band-like, or other attachments, providing versatility for different exercise routines Moreover, the modular plug-n-play powered wheels can be easily attached or removed on demand, enhancing the convenience and adaptability of the users. This innovative approach not only simplifies customization but also avoids the need for permanent installations or additional heavy equipment, setting it apart from traditional systems.

[0017] OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION The primary object of the present invention is to provide a wheelchair that re-purposes as an exercise station when not in motion and a powered wheelchair when in motion, enabling the user to use the wheelchair for both mobility and full-body exercise.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a powered wheel exercise station that can be retrofitted to standard wheelchairs to offer a more convenient and accessible way for wheelchair users to exercise.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to allow wheelchair users to perform a variety of exercises, including pulling exercises, pushing exercises, elliptical crosstraining, and rowing through rigid rod-like, rope-like, elastic band-like, or other attachments. In other words, providing for an entire upper body workout.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise station with lightweight add-on attachments for wheelchair users that are more affordable and have the same capabilities as regular gym equipment or personal exercise solutions.

[0021] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The present invention provides a wheelchair integrated with an all-in-one exercise station. The wheelchair is provided with powered wheels with a hub motor on each wheel; a pair of push rims that are connected to the hub motor of the powered wheels. Alternatively, the wheelchair is equipped with friction drive-based powered wheels which comprises a friction drive provided with motors directly connected to friction rollers that engage with the wheelchair's wheels to provide propulsion. Further, a band / rope-like elastic or stick-like attachment is provided along with clip-on pulley elements positioned on the frame of the wheelchair which serve as attachment points for bands and rigid sticks to provide necessary resistance for cardio training or resistance training without the requirement of any traditional gym equipment. Wherein the said design incorporates a hub motor-powered wheel in a manner such that the rotor of the motor is decoupled from the wheel and coupled to the push rim of the wheelchair. Weight training is also made possible by using free weights / passive band resistance with limited capabilities.

[0023] The present invention provides a powered wheels-based complete exercise station for wheelchairs by incorporating hub motor-based / friction drive -based wheels with additional attachments. In the case, where the powered wheels are not needed for mobility, they can be actively or passively immobilized. The motors can be connected using rigid rod-like, rope-like, an elastic band, or other attachments. For the rope-like and elastic band-like attachments, there would be additional clip-on pulley elements, to help route the ropes or bands.

[0024] The motors can be used to apply resistive or assistive torque to help with wheelchair sprinting or marathon training. Along with the other attachments, the station can be used to facilitate all other exercises like pulling exercises for the back and biceps, pushing exercises for the chest, triceps, and shoulders, elliptical cross-trainers, rowing, etc.

[0025] With simple lightweight add-ons attached to the powered wheels that are already being used for mobility, this invention aims to give wheelchair users the same capabilities that regular gym equipment or personal exercise solution users would obtain at a much higher cost.

[0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIGURE 1 illustrates various cardio exercises that can be performed using a wheelchair in accordance with the present invention.

[0028] FIGURE 2 illustrates the possible resistance training for muscles that can be performed using a wheelchair in accordance with the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 illustrates a wheelchair with (a) Hub-motor-based powered wheels and (b) Friction drive -based powered wheels in accordance with the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates a roller-based platform to suspend the wheels of the wheelchair off the ground in accordance with the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 illustrates a stand-like attachment used to suspend the wheels of the wheelchair off the ground in accordance with the present invention.

[0031] Provided below is the list of components of the present invention along with its reference numerals:

[0032] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of examples in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in the present specification and claims should not be construed as limited to ordinary or dictionary terms. The present invention should be construed as meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present invention based on the principle that it can be defined. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that equivalents and modifications are possible.

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH RESPECT TO THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The present invention as embodied by "A Wheelchair-based Complete Exercise Station" succinctly fulfils the above-mentioned need(s) in the art. The present invention has objective(s) arising as a result of the above-mentioned need(s), said objective(s) being enumerated below. In as much as the objective(s) of the present invention are enumerated, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, the enumerated objective(s) are not exhaustive of the present invention in its entirety and are enclosed solely for the purpose of illustration. Further, the present invention encloses within its scope and purview, any structural alternative(s) and / or any functional equivalent(s) even though, such structural alternative(s) and / or any functional equivalent(s) are not mentioned explicitly herein or elsewhere, in the present disclosure. The present invention therefore encompasses also, any improvisation(s) / modification(s) applied to the structural alternative / s) / functional alternative(s) within its scope and purview. The present invention may be embodied in other specific form(s) without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof.

[0035] Throughout this specification, the use of the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" may imply the inclusion of an element or elements not specifically recited.

[0036] The present invention discloses a powered wheels-based complete exercise station for wheelchairs. The system disclosed by the present invention comprises: a wheelchair (100), a pair of powered wheels (102), a hub motor attached to each wheel (104), a push rim (106), and a band / rope-like elastic (108) and clip-on pulley elements (110) positioned on the main frame of the wheelchair.

[0037] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the present invention features an in-built exercise station provided in a wheelchair (100) and is equipped with a pair of hub motor (104) based powered wheels (102), wherein the motors are directly connected to the hub (center) of the wheels.

[0038] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the push rim (106) of each wheel is connected directly to the hub motor (104). It enables motorized assistance for easier mobility and resistance for strength training.

[0039] In another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the wheelchair (100) is equipped with friction drive -based powered wheels, as seen in Fig. 3. It comprises a friction drive (118) provided with motors (120) directly connected to friction rollers that engage with the wheelchair's wheels or the push rim (106) to provide propulsion.

[0040] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein one end of the band (stiff or elastic) or stick-like element (108) is attached to the circumference of the push rim (106), and the other end is held by the user for exercising.

[0041] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the system is provided with a control system which is an application that drives the motors based on user inputs. These inputs can be received directly through a joystick control or an application on a phone or smartwatch, or indirectly from various sensors on the user or the wheelchair. The reverse is also possible, where feedback from virtual environments can adjust the behavior of the wheels (e.g., resistance) to give the user a different experience. For example, depending on the feedback from the virtual terrain or the sensors, the resistance / assistance can be increased or decreased. Similarly, if the speed of the wheel decreases or EMG sensors measuring muscle activity detect that the user is tiring, the resistance can be reduced, or the game can be made easier to encourage the user to continue exercising without giving up. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein additional clip-on pulley elements (110) are provided for the rope-like and elastic band-like attachments (108), to help route the ropes / bands.

[0042] This exercise station will be based either on:

[0043] 1) Powering the wheels and ensuring that the wheels are freely spinning either by: a) positioning the wheelchair (100) on a platform (112) that allows the wheels to roll freely, wherein the platform is a roller-based platform (112) comprising of two rotating bars (114) which are secured to the platform on both ends. The roller-based platform (112) facilitates the rolling of the wheels (102) while the platform is stationary as seen in Fig. 4; or b) suspending the wheelchair (100) off the ground with a stand-like attachment (116) to again allow the wheels (102) to roll freely, wherein the stand-like attachment (116) is a support structure that uses two vertical elements (legs) to maintain stability and support the load of the wheelchair (100) when stationary. The stand (116) is secured to the wheelchair (100) on one end and the other end of the stand (116) with the legs placed on the ground to suspend the wheelchair (100) to facilitate the rolling of wheels (102) as seen in Fig. 5.

[0044] 2) Powering the push-rim (106) which can rotate independently off the wheels (102) on demand, thereby, ensuring a free-spinning push-rim (106) even while the wheels are on the ground, wherein the motor (104) is decoupled from the wheels (102) such that moving the push rim (106) only moves the rotor of the motor (104) but not the wheel, and alternatively moving the rotor of the motor (104) only moves the push rim (106), but not the wheel (102).

[0045] Mode of Operation:

[0046] • The exercise mode is engaged by the user by immobilizing the wheelchair using either of the two mechanisms mentioned below. a. Powering the wheels and ensuring that the wheels are freely spinning either by: i). positioning the wheelchair on a platform that allows the wheels to roll freely or ii). suspending the wheelchair off the ground with a stand-like attachment to again allow the wheels to roll freely b. Powering the push-rim which can rotate independently off the wheels on demand wherein the motor (104) is decoupled from the wheels (102).

[0047] • Once the wheelchair is immobilized, and the push rim / wheels become free to move, the wheelchair will then be powered in exercise mode. The control system for exercise mode will be activated to either perform - resistive or cardio / aerobic exercise.

[0048] • The push rim (106) will be driven by the motor (104) and will be used as a point of attachment for providing active resistance for different kinds of exercises involving resistance training. Based on the exercise and the level of resistance required, the push rim (106) will detect the direction and rotate to provide effective resistance.

[0049] • The wheelchair trainer can be used to simulate wheelchair-push sprint and endurance training, training for different upslopes, etc.

[0050] • Additionally, if rod-like attachments (108) are attached to either push rim (106), they can be used in two ways. If both the push rims (106) work synchronously, they will simulate a rowing machine’s capabilities. If both the push rims (106) move out of the phase, the device would simulate a crosstrainer / elliptical machine.

[0051] • Additionally, if rope-like elements (non-stretch) (108) are connected to the push rims ( 106), they can be routed using removable clip-on pulley attachments (110). Using different routings and, thereby, affecting muscle groups at various angles, the user could either do pushing exercises (such as to train the chest, shoulders, or triceps) or pulling exercises (such as to train the back and biceps). • Additionally, if elastic band-like attachments (108) are connected to the push rim (106), they will form a series elastic actuator, which could potentially allow for more compliant actuation profiles combining both passive and active elements.

[0052] • The resistance / assistance provided by the motors (104) will be controlled programmatically and on-demand using control systems processed in real-time by a microprocessor that is onboard the wheelchair.

[0053] • Additionally, various sensors such as kinematic sensors (like encoders, IMUs, and other types of sensors that measure motion) dynamic sensors (such as force / torque sensors like load cells, pressure sensors, etc), and other sensors such as cameras for context, eye-tracking, signals from the body such as EMG, EEG etc could be added to inform, improve, and personalize the controller output. The sensing data would provide analytics of the user’s performance and also be used for providing feedback and input to the user to improve their performance.

[0054] • Using the information from the different sensors, different control strategies would be implemented on the motors in the powered wheels to provide different experiences for the user. A subset of control strategies could involve behavior ranging from that of a spring, damper, inertia, constant mass / gravity, or different combinations of them. Additionally, realistic elements such as friction could also be added to the controller behavior.

[0055] • Additionally, real-time data from different sensing modalities could be used in conjunction with virtual / augmented reality and games for more engaged performance. The games could also involve a social gaming component to allow different users to compete against each other allowing for a method to improve engagement and adoption.

[0056] • The sensors transmit a data feed of the user exercising and the wheels rotating. The rotation of the wheels, along with other parameters such as muscle activity and eye-tracking, is captured by the sensors and synchronized with a virtual environment. This synchronization provides visual feedback for the user, such as a virtual avatar moving, playing a virtual game, or the wheelchair navigating different environments like hilly terrain, landscapes, and slopes. The resistance or assistance will adjust based on the virtual environment, making it more challenging for the user to move the wheelchair uphill, for instance. Various interactions between the virtual environment and the exercise station will be used for resistance training, cardio, and other exercises.

[0057] Wherein, the series elastic actuator is a motor coupled with a spring to create a compliant actuator. Motors are inherently dynamic but can be very stiff or rigid. Adding a spring introduces compliance, which is crucial for applications where the motor interacts with the user, as the dynamic and stiff operation of the motor can be dangerous.

[0058] In another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the working of the frictionbased powered wheels as seen in fig.3 is: a) When the user activates the wheelchair's controls, the motors (120) start running. b) These motors are directly connected to friction rollers. The friction rollers are small, cylindrical components that press against the larger wheels of the wheelchair or the push rim (106). c) The friction rollers engage with the wheelchair's wheels by making contact with their surface. The pressure between the friction rollers and the wheels creates enough friction to transfer the motor's power to the wheels. d) As the motors turn the friction rollers, the friction between the rollers and the wheelchair's wheels causes the wheels to turn. This propels the wheelchair forward or backward, depending on the direction in which the motors are turning. e) The user can control the speed and direction of the wheelchair by adjusting the power to the motors. This allows for smooth acceleration, deceleration, and turning.

[0059] Fig.1 and Fig. 2 showcase the range of cardio exercises and possible resistance training for muscles that can be performed using a wheelchair (100). Along with the other attachments, the station can be used to facilitate all other exercises like pulling exercises for the back and biceps, pushing exercises for the chest, triceps, and shoulders, elliptical cross-trainers, rowing, etc. With simple lightweight add-ons attached to the powered wheels (102) that are already being used for mobility, the present invention aims to give wheelchair users the same capabilities that regular gym equipment or personal exercise solution users would obtain at a much higher cost.

[0060] Example

[0061] The present invention provides a wheelchair (100) with an exercise station equipped with a pair of hub motor-powered wheels (102) on a wheelchair with the push rim (106) of the wheels being connected to the hub motor (104). The wheelchair is also alternatively equipped with friction drive -based powered wheels wherein the friction drive (118) is provided with motors (120) directly connected to friction rollers that engage with the wheelchair's wheels to provide propulsion to the wheelchair.

[0062] The exercise mode is engaged by immobilizing the wheelchair using either of the two mechanisms mentioned below:

[0063] (i) Powering the wheels (102) and ensuring that the wheels are freely spinning either by (a) positioning the wheelchair (100) on a platform that allows the wheels to roll freely or (b) suspending the wheelchair off the ground with a stand-like attachment to again allow the wheels to roll freely

[0064] (ii) Powering the push-rim (106) which can rotate independently off the wheels on demand wherein the motor (104) is decoupled from the wheels (102) such that moving the push rim only moves the motor but not the wheel. The push rim (106) will be driven by the motor (104) and will be used as a point of attachment for providing active resistance for different kinds of exercises involving resistance training.

[0065] The band (stiff or elastic) or stick-like element (108) will be attached at one end to the circumference of the push rim (106) and the other end will be held by the user for exercising. Based on the exercise and the level of resistance required, the push rim will detect the direction and rotate to provide effective resistance. When the user performs the bench press-like exercise for training the chest muscles, the push rim will resist the user’s movements by rotating in the same direction and applying reverse torque, thereby creating the desired resistance level.

[0066] ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION:

[0067] • Personal exercise station: The present invention provides a dedicated, convenient space for exercise within a wheelchair.

[0068] • Wide Range of Exercises: The present invention allows the user to perform all sorts of exercises, including cardiovascular, strength training, and flexibility routines.

[0069] • Low cost: The present invention provides a system that combines mobility and exercise equipment, reducing overall cost.

[0070] • Lightweight add-ons: The present invention features portable, easy-to-attach components for both indoor and outdoor use.

[0071] • Special needs: The present invention offers therapeutic benefits for conditions requiring regular movement and exercise.

[0072] • Mobility assistance: The present invention combines the traditional wheelchair functionality with fitness support. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the above description is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting. Various modifications, additions, alterations, and improvements without deviating from the scope of the invention may be made by a person skilled in the art.

Claims

We Claim,1. A Wheelchair-based Complete Exercise Station, comprising of: a wheelchair (100) provided with an in-built exercise station, characterized in that, i. a pair of powered wheels (102) provided with a pair of hub motor (104) attached to each wheel (102), wherein the motors are directly connected to the hub (centre) of the wheels (102); ii. a pair of push rim (106), wherein the push rim (106) of each wheel is connected directly to the hub motor (104); iii. a band / rope-like elastic or stick-like attachment (108) and clip-on pulley elements (110) provided on the frame of the wheelchair, wherein one end of the band or stick (108) is attached to the circumference of the push rim (106) and the other end is held by the user for exercising.

2. The wheelchair-based complete exercise station as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wheelchair (100) is equipped with a friction drive -based powered wheels, comprising a friction drive (118) which is provided with motors (120) directly connected to a set of friction rollers that engage with the wheelchair's wheels (102) or the push rim (106) to provide propulsion.

3. The wheelchair-based complete exercise station as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of clip-on pulley elements (110) are provided for the rope and elastic band attachments (108), to help route the ropes / bands.

4. The wheelchair-based complete exercise station as claimed in claim 1, wherein the exercise station is engaged by immobilizing the wheelchair (100) by powering the wheels (102) and ensuring the free spinning of the wheels (102) either by:(a) placing the wheelchair (100) on a platform that allows the wheels (102) to roll freely, or(b) suspending the wheelchair (100) off the ground with a stand-like attachment to allow the wheels (102) to roll freely.

5. The wheelchair-based complete exercise station as claimed in claim 1, wherein the exercise station is engaged by powering the push-rim which can rotate independently off the wheels on demand, wherein the motor (104) is decoupled from the wheels (102) such that:(i) moving the push rim (106) only moves the rotor of the motor (104) but not the wheel (102), or(ii) moving the rotor of the motor (104) which only moves the push rim (106), and not the wheel (102), thereby ensuring a free-spinning push-rim (106) even while the wheels (102) are on the ground.

6. The wheelchair-based complete exercise station as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method of operation of the exercise station in the wheelchair, comprising of: a. Engaging the exercise station by powering the push-rim, wherein the motor (104) is decoupled from the wheels (102) such that moving the push rim (106) only moves the motor (104) but not the wheel (102); b. Once the wheelchair is immobilized, and the push rim / wheels become free to move, the wheelchair will then be powered in exercise mode; c. The push rim (106) will be driven by the motor (104) and will be used as a point of attachment for providing active resistance for different kinds of exercises involving resistance training; d. Based on the exercise and the level of resistance required, the push rim (106) will detect the direction and rotate to provide effective resistance;e. The wheelchair trainer can be used to simulate wheelchair-push sprint and endurance training, training for different terrains; f. The rod-like attachments (108) attached to either push rim (106), wherein if both the push rims (106) work synchronously, they will simulate a rowing machine’s capabilities, wherein if both the push rims (106) move out of the phase, then the exercise station simulates a cross-trainer / elliptical machine; g. if rope-like elements (108) (non-stretch) are connected to the push rims (106), they can be routed using removable clip-on pulley attachments; h. if elastic band-like attachments are connected to the push rim (106), they will form a series elastic actuator; wherein the resistance / assistance provided by the motors (104) are controlled using a control system processed in real-time by a microprocessor that is onboard the wheelchair.

7. The wheelchair-based complete exercise station as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control system is coupled with the sensors transmitting a data feed of the user exercising and the wheels rotating, along with other parameters such as muscle activity and eye-tracking, which are captured by the sensors, wherein depending on the feedback from the sensors, the resistance / assistance can be increased or decreased.

8. The wheelchair-based complete exercise station as claimed in claim 1, wherein the series elastic actuator is a motor coupled with a spring to create a compliant actuator.

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