Head-Mounted Motion Sensor for Wheelchair Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with limited or no arm mobility, such as quadriplegics and amputees, face challenges in controlling motorized wheelchairs as they lack the ability to use traditional hand controls, necessitating alternative control methods that can interpret head movements to navigate their environment effectively.
Innovation Solution
A head-mounted wheelchair control device with motion sensors and a wireless interface that translates head movements into control signals for a motorized wheelchair, allowing users to change velocity, direction, and activate/deactivate the wheelchair using customizable settings and a mechanical manipulator that interacts with standard joystick controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hand controls are used for wheelchair operation, then control precision is maintained, but accessibility is lost for individuals with limited arm mobility
Solution Approach 1:
A head-mounted control device with motion sensors serves as an intermediary between the user's head movements and the wheelchair's control system. The device translates head movements into control signals that manipulate the wheelchair, enabling individuals with limited arm mobility to operate the wheelchair with the same precision as traditional hand controls would provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical hand control system with a sensor-based head-mounted device. Motion sensors detect head movements and convert them into electronic control signals, substituting the mechanical interaction of hand controls with an automated sensing and signal transmission system that achieves equivalent control precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If head-mounted control devices are implemented, then accessibility for individuals with limited arm mobility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The head-mounted control device is designed to be compatible with multiple wheelchair models and control systems. By creating a universal interface that can adapt to different wheelchair types, the patent reduces the need for multiple specialized devices, thereby managing complexity while maintaining broad accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The head-mounted device acts as a universal intermediary layer between various head movement patterns and different wheelchair control systems. This mediator approach allows the same head-mounted device to work with multiple wheelchair types without requiring complex customization for each specific wheelchair model.
3Adaptability or versatility
If motion sensors are integrated into head-mounted device, then control capability is enabled for individuals with limited arm mobility, but weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
Motion sensors are strategically positioned on the head-mounted device to detect only the specific head movements required for wheelchair control. By localizing sensing to only the necessary motion parameters rather than comprehensive motion detection, the patent minimizes sensor quantity and weight while maintaining full control capability.
4Ease of operation
If customizable configuration options are added for individual users, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes pre-configured motion sensitivity settings and control parameters that are optimized for different user types. By providing preliminary configurations that can be selected without extensive customization, the patent enables ease of operation for most users while avoiding the complexity of fully customizable systems. Advanced customization options are available but not required for basic operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quadriplegics and others with limited arm mobility to control motorized wheelchairs using head movements, enhancing their mobility and allowing compatibility with standardized commercial wheelchairs, providing a customizable and efficient control system.
Implementation Method 1
The wheelchair control device may include an accelerometer
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, an apparatus includes a wheelchair control device sensitive to motion and adapted to attach to a user's head, and includes a wheelchair interface device in communication with the wheelchair control device and adapted to manipulate a control system of a motorized wheelchair in response to communication from the wheelchair control device. Among other things, a method includes causing a motorized wheelchair to change velocity in response to changing a position of a head-mounted wheelchair control device.