Assistive Steering Grip With Dorsal Selector for Limited Hand Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with spinal cord injuries or limited hand function face challenges in controlling a vehicle's steering wheel and secondary controls with one hand, leading to discomfort and inefficiency due to inconvenient grip and button placement in existing assistive driving devices, which are not suitable for those with full arm and hand paralysis.
Innovation Solution
An assistive driving device featuring a base with three posts for securing the hand and arm, a rotatable selector actuable by the dorsum of the hand, and a controller that sends signals to the vehicle's electronic control unit for controlling primary and secondary functions, allowing users to maintain grip on the steering wheel while activating controls without fine motor skills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional spinner knobs with secondary controls are used, then patients can control vehicle functions with one hand, but the grip is inconvenient and causes wrist strain and discomfort during prolonged operation
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the control functions into two separate components: a spinner knob for steering control and a separate secondary control mechanism with buttons positioned on the rim. This segmentation allows the patient to operate steering and secondary controls independently without compromising wrist position or causing strain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism—a secondary control unit with buttons arranged on the spinner knob rim—that mediates between the patient's limited hand function and the vehicle's multiple control requirements. This intermediary allows one-handed operation of both steering and secondary controls without direct wrist strain.
2Adaptability or versatility
If secondary controls are integrated into the spinner knob, then patients can access multiple functions with one hand, but button placement requires the patient to release or let go of the wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the secondary control buttons directly onto the rim of the spinner knob, combining steering control and secondary function control into a single integrated unit. This allows patients to access multiple vehicle functions without releasing the wheel, as buttons are positioned within easy reach on the knob's circumference.
Solution Approach 2:
The spinner knob is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a steering control mechanism and as a platform for secondary controls. The buttons on the rim enable control of lights, wipers, and other vehicle functions, making the single device universal for multiple control tasks without requiring hand release.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If alternate grip styles are used to solve wrist strain issues, then comfort is improved, but the device becomes inappropriate for patients without full hand and arm control
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with universal adaptability for patients with varying levels of hand and arm function. The spinner knob accommodates different grip styles and can be operated with minimal hand movement, while the secondary controls are positioned to be accessible with limited dexterity. This multi-functional design makes it suitable for patients with different spinal cord injury levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by making the button positions and spinner knob characteristics adjustable or modifiable to suit different patient needs. The secondary controls can be positioned at various locations on the rim, and the spinner knob size and grip features can be changed to accommodate different hand sizes and control capabilities, thereby reducing wrist strain while maintaining accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include an assistive driving device including a base, a first post, a second post, a third post, and a selector. The first post is for receiving a portion of a palm of a hand of a user and has a proximal end and a distal end. The second post has a proximal end and a distal end. The third post has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal ends of the first, second, and third posts are coupled to the base. The second post and the third post are positioned to receive a portion of an arm of the user. The selector is spaced apart from the first post and positioned such that the selector is actuatable with a dorsum of the hand of the user.