Adjustable Head Array System for Power Wheelchairs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing head array devices for power wheelchairs lack adjustability, are not reconfigurable, and fail to comply with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), electromagnetic interference (EMI), and electrostatic discharge (ESD) standards, leading to issues like unintentional sensor activation and poor cable management.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable and adjustable head array system with telescoping and swiveling lateral arms, a microprocessor for sensor signal validation, and centralized cable management to prevent unintentional activation and meet EMC, EMI, and ESD standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If lateral arms are made adjustable with telescoping sections, then the device becomes reconfigurable for different users, but the structure becomes more complex and larger

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereconfigurabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The telescoping lateral arms use a nested structure where one tube is inserted inside another. When retracted, the sections nest within each other, minimizing the overall size and reducing the space required, while still providing extended length when needed for different user configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If unused sections of lateral arms extend behind the headrest, then the arms can be made adjustable, but the appearance becomes bulky and disorganized

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidappearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The telescoping sections that would otherwise extend behind the headrest are extracted or retracted into the main arm structure. This keeps the visible portion clean and organized while maintaining the adjustability function through the telescoping mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Stability of the object's composition

If lateral arms are not easily removable, then the structure is more stable, but the device becomes difficult to clean and maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral arms incorporate quick-release locking mechanisms that allow for easy removal when needed for cleaning or maintenance, while maintaining stable locked positions during normal operation. The locking feature ensures stability when attached, but allows rapid detachment when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9575503B2Adjustable and reconfigurable head array system for a power wheelchair

Publication Date: 2017.02.21 PERMOBIL

AI summary

Certain embodiments provide a head array system for a power wheelchair, including a head array body and one or more lateral arms. The head array body includes shafts. Each of the shafts includes lateral arm receiving sections. The one or more lateral arms are detachably coupled to one of the lateral arm receiving sections of one of the shafts.