Multi-function Mobility Device with Collapsible Wheeled Legs

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Individuals with mobility issues often require multiple mobility devices for different tasks, which can be space-prohibitive due to their size and shape, and lack a device that can easily transform between various mobility modes.

Innovation Solution

A multifunction mobility device with a reconfigurable frame that includes a seat member and wheeled leg members, which can pivot and collapse into a compact mode, allowing the device to transform between power wheelchair, power walker, power scooter, and cargo transport modes, facilitated by actuators and a control unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple mobility devices are used for different tasks, then mobility needs are met, but storage space is excessively consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobility functionalityVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mobility device is designed to perform multiple functions including power wheelchair mode, power walker mode, power scooter mode, and cargo transport mode within a single device structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate mobility devices and reducing storage space requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The wheeled leg members are designed with upper and lower portions that can collapse and nest within each other, allowing the device to reduce to a compact configuration for storage and transport while maintaining full functionality when deployed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of stationary object

If a single multifunction device is used, then storage space is saved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidframe configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into modular components including seat member, wheeled leg members with upper and lower portions, and actuator systems that can independently control each segment, allowing complex transformations through coordinated movement of simpler individual parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates movable and adjustable components including pivotally coupled wheeled leg members, collapsible upper and lower portions, and actuator systems that enable dynamic reconfiguration between multiple operational modes while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12303438B2Multi-function mobility device

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

A multifunction mobility device includes a frame that includes a seat member, a first wheeled leg ember coupled to a first side of the seat member and a second wheeled leg member coupled to a second side of the seat member. The first wheeled leg member and the second wheeled leg member each includes an upper leg portion pivotally coupled to the seat member at a distal end and defining an upper arm recess, and a lower leg portion pivotally coupled to the upper leg portion, the upper leg portion and the lower leg portion being collapsible into a collapsed transport and storage mode where the upper leg portion is pivoted relative to the lower leg portion such that the lower leg portion nests into the upper arm recess.