Ceiling-Mounted Mobility Track with Differential Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobility assistance systems for impaired individuals are limited by requiring users to walk or have physical strength, restrict movement to single rooms, and lack flexibility in support, often requiring significant adjustments to structures and caregiver assistance, while also being cumbersome and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a track that mounts to ceilings or walls with a sliding mechanism, vest, and leg support, allowing users to move in sitting or standing positions without needing to walk, with adjustable height and directional control, and accommodating multiple users, featuring a differential drive mechanism for navigating curving tracks and integrated sensors for location recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing mobility assistance systems are used, then users can receive support, but users must be able to walk or have physical strength to operate them
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables mobility-impaired individuals to independently control their transport and positioning without requiring physical strength or walking ability. The automated trolley with motorized propulsion and control system allows users to self-operate the device for moving between rooms and adjusting position, eliminating the need for caregiver assistance while accommodating complete mobility impairment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing systems are used, then users can move within a room, but movement is restricted to single rooms with same ceiling height
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed as a universal multi-functional platform that can transport users across multiple rooms with varying ceiling heights. The trolley system with adjustable height capability, automated propulsion, and interchangeable support devices (walker, wheelchair, standing frame) provides comprehensive mobility solutions throughout entire residences, not limited to single rooms or uniform ceiling configurations.
3Reliability
If existing support systems are used, then users receive mechanical support, but the systems are cumbersome and require significant structural adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides mobility support into separate modular components: an automated trolley for transport, interchangeable support devices (walker, wheelchair, standing frame) for positioning, and a control system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and easily replaced or adjusted, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable mechanical support throughout the residence.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a system for assisting a mobility-impaired individual or a patient. The system includes a track that mounts to a ceiling or wall of a structure such as a home. The track receives a sliding mechanism. The sliding mechanism connects to a strap hanging arrangement. The strap hanging arrangement connects to a vest. The vest connects to a leg support mechanism. The mobility-impaired individual wears the vest and the leg support mechanism. The sliding mechanism includes a lift strap for adjusting the height of the strap hanging arrangement thereby allowing the mobility-impaired individual to be placed in a sitting position or standing position. The mechanically driven mechanism moves along the track allowing the mobility-impaired individual to move around the structure.