Hand Control Device for Differently Abled Drivers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Individuals with limited mobility and dexterity due to life-altering injuries are excluded from operating motor vehicles due to the physical demands and dexterity requirements of driving.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle control system with a hand control device that includes pivotally mounted arms and rotatable spools to actuate throttle, clutch, and gear functions, allowing control of a vehicle's complex functions with minimal hand and arm movement, compatible with existing vehicle Electronic Control Units (ECUs).

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional vehicle controls are used, then vehicle operation requires high dexterity and physical demand, but this excludes differently abled individuals from operating vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle operation accessibilityVSAvoidcompatibility with different driver abilities

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is segmented into multiple independent arms (first arm, second arm, third arm) that can be independently positioned and operated. Each arm controls specific vehicle functions (throttle, clutch, gear changes, brake) through spools and linkages, allowing differently abled individuals to operate vehicle functions with limited hand and arm mobility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a hand control device as an intermediary between the driver and vehicle controls. This device includes arms with spools that translate limited hand movements into effective control actions for throttle, clutch, gear changes, and brake, making vehicle operation accessible to differently abled individuals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a hand control device with multiple arms and spools is introduced, then accessibility for differently abled individuals is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility for differently abled individualsVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hand control device is designed as a universal control system where multiple arms share a common base portion and mounting mechanism on the steering column. The first, second, and third arms all pivot from this common base, allowing the device to control multiple vehicle functions (throttle, clutch, gear, brake) through a unified structure rather than separate control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple control functions into a single integrated hand control device. The first arm controls throttle and gear changes, the second arm controls clutch, and the third arm controls brake, all within one compact assembly mounted on the steering column, reducing the need for multiple separate control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10822013B2Motor vehicle hand control for differently abled individuals

Publication Date: 2020.11.03 BONFANTE JR MARIO

AI summary

A disclosed vehicle control system provides control over complex vehicle functions including transmission shifting to enable differently abled drivers to operate a motor vehicle.