Balancing Mobility Platform With Redundant Stabilization Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobility devices face challenges in providing a reliable, lightweight, and stable solution for users, especially in situations like positional obstacles, slippery surfaces, and component failure, while also requiring enhanced safety features and control over reaction to unstable situations.
Innovation Solution
The powered balancing mobility device incorporates a powerbase assembly with redundant processors, sensors, and motors, along with an active stabilization processor that estimates the center of gravity and adjusts the mobility device's balance. It also features an anti-tipping controller, redundant batteries, ergonomically positioned caster wheel assemblies, and ride management bumpers to enhance stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant processors, sensors, and motors are incorporated to improve reliability, then the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility device is divided into multiple independent functional modules with redundant components. Each module (processors, sensors, motors) operates independently and can be segmented for individual failure analysis and replacement, allowing the system to maintain functionality even when one module fails.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the system have different levels of redundancy based on their criticality. The control system implements localized quality control where critical components have higher redundancy while less critical components have standard backup, optimizing the balance between reliability and complexity.
2Reliability
If active stabilization and anti-tipping controllers are added to improve safety, then the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The active stabilization processor and anti-tipping controller perform preliminary actions by continuously monitoring system state and predicting potential instability conditions before they occur. The system proactively adjusts motor commands and generates alerts to prevent tipping events rather than reacting after instability occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilization system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor device orientation, center of gravity, and motor performance, and the controllers continuously adjust motor commands based on this feedback to maintain stable operation and prevent tipping conditions.
3Ease of operation
If ergonomic caster wheel assemblies and ride management bumpers are added to improve user comfort, then the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The caster wheel assemblies and ride management bumpers are designed as self-adjusting components that automatically adapt to terrain conditions and user preferences without requiring complex control systems. The components self-regulate their behavior based on mechanical feedback from the terrain and user input.
Data Source
AI summary
A powered balancing mobility device that can provide the user the ability to safely navigate expected environments of daily living including the ability to maneuver in confined spaces and to climb curbs, stairs, and other obstacles, and to travel safely and comfortably in vehicles. The mobility device can provide elevated, balanced travel.