Bivalent Control Device for Motorized Wheelchair One-Handed Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motorized wheelchairs designed for users with limited hand mobility, such as those with tetraplegia or arthrosis, face challenges in operating separate accelerator and brake controls with one hand due to the ergonomic design requiring distinct hand movements for each control.
Innovation Solution
A bivalent control device with a single maneuvering lever that oscillates to interface with both the acceleration and braking apparatus, allowing operation with a push-pull movement without requiring finger or wrist strength, using a mechanism of interconnected annular discs and springs to differentiate between braking and accelerating actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate accelerator and brake controls are provided on the handlebar, then the wheelchair can be operated with two hands for optimal control, but users with reduced hand mobility cannot operate the controls with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the accelerator and brake controls into a single bivalent control device that can perform both functions. The device includes a first control element for acceleration and a second control element for braking, both integrated into one unit that can be operated with a single hand, eliminating the need for two separate controls
Solution Approach 2:
The bivalent control device is designed to perform multiple functions - both acceleration and braking - through a single device. The first control element interfaces with the acceleration apparatus while the second control element interfaces with the braking apparatus, allowing one hand to control both functions
2Ease of operation
If the brake control requires a lever that must be grabbed and pulled by fingers, then precise braking control is achieved, but users with finger or wrist mobility issues cannot operate it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the brake control from requiring finger grip and wrist movement to allowing palm push/pull movements. The second control element can be actuated by pushing or pulling with the palm of the hand, making it accessible to users with finger or wrist mobility issues while maintaining reliable braking control
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to grab and pull a lever (traditional brake operation), the patent inverts the operation to a push/pull motion of the entire control element using the palm. This inverted mechanism maintains braking reliability while improving accessibility
3Ease of operation
If the accelerator and brake controls are disposed far from each other on the handlebar, then each control can be operated independently, but users with limited hand mobility cannot reach both controls with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the accelerator and brake controls into a single bivalent control device located at one position on the handlebar. This allows users with limited hand mobility to operate both functions from a single location without needing to reach across the handlebar, while maintaining independent control capability for both acceleration and braking
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Motorized wheelchair for disabled or elderly users (CA) comprising a frame (T), a seat (S) for the disabled driver, a handlebar (B), a motor (MO) provided with an acceleration apparatus, a wheel assembly (R) and a braking apparatus (F) of said wheels (R), characterized in that it also comprises a bivalent control device (100) that is capable of being interfaced with the acceleration apparatus of the motor (MO) and with the braking apparatus (F) of the wheels (R).