Wheelchair Head Array Reconfiguration for Safe Adjustable Sensor Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current head array devices for power wheelchairs lack adjustability, are not reconfigurable, fail to comply with EMC, EMI, and ESD standards, and suffer from unintentional sensor activation due to moisture, with disorganized cable management and hazardous protruding lateral arms.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable head array system with telescoping and swiveling lateral arms, a dual-sensor occipital pad configuration to prevent unintentional activation, and centralized cable management to meet EMC, EMI, and ESD standards, along with toolless securing mechanisms for easy adjustment and cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If lateral arms are fixed at a specific length, then the head array can be customized for a particular user, but the device cannot be adjusted for different users and requires cutting the arms to specific lengths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability for different usersVSAvoidcustom ordering requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral arms are designed with telescoping sections that allow dynamic adjustment of length. The arms can be extended or retracted to different positions and secured using locking mechanisms, enabling the same head array device to accommodate users with different head sizes and positions without requiring custom ordering or cutting of arms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If lateral arms are made adjustable with unused sections extending behind the headrest, then the arms can accommodate different users, but the device becomes bulky and the unused sections present safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability for different usersVSAvoidsafety hazards from protruding sections

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The telescoping lateral arms can be retracted to minimize their extension beyond the headrest when not in use. The locking mechanisms allow the arms to be secured at various positions, including a retracted position that reduces bulk and eliminates safety hazards from protruding sections, while still providing full adjustability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the head array configuration is fixed, then the device can be manufactured simply, but it cannot be reconfigured for different users or purposes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfigurability of sensor positionsVSAvoidreconfigurability features

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The head array is divided into modular components including lateral arms, occipital pad, and mode switch that can be independently positioned and configured. The lateral arms can be detached and reattached at different positions, and the mode switch can be relocated along the arms, allowing flexible reconfiguration without requiring a completely new device while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If lateral arms are permanently attached to the head array base structure, then the device can be manufactured simply, but it becomes difficult to clean and reconfigure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cleaningVSAvoiddetachable connection mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral arms are designed with detachable connections to the head array base structure, allowing them to be easily removed for cleaning purposes. The standardized connection interfaces enable quick attachment and detachment without complex tools or procedures, making the device easier to maintain and sanitize while providing only minimal additional complexity compared to permanent attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

5Reliability

If a single sensor is used in the occipital pad, then the device can be manufactured simply, but unintentional activation occurs due to moisture from perspiration or hair products

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of unintentional activationVSAvoiddual-sensor configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The occipital pad incorporates a dual-sensor configuration where both sensors must detect activation simultaneously to trigger a command. This feedback mechanism filters out false activations caused by moisture from perspiration or hair products, which typically affect only one sensor, while still responding to genuine user intent when both sensors are activated together, thereby improving reliability with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2822796B1Adjustable and reconfigurable head array system for a power wheelchair

Publication Date: 2023.11.08 PERMOBIL

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AI summary

Certain embodiments provide a head array system for a power wheelchair, including a head array body and one or more lateral arms. The head array body includes shafts. Each of the shafts includes lateral arm receiving sections. The one or more lateral arms are detachably coupled to one of the lateral arm receiving sections of one of the shafts.