Intelligent Mobility Assistance Device for Independent Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Disabled and elderly individuals with limited physical strength face challenges in performing daily activities due to the lack of adequate assistance, and the increasing aging population in East Asian countries exacerbates the shortage of trained caregivers, making it difficult for them to transfer into and use wheelchairs without assistance.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent mobility assistance device comprising a lifting device and a mobility device that provides independent assistance, featuring a retractable bracket structure, wheels, a sitting pad, and a backrest, allowing users to move safely and independently for daily tasks, with optional features like a robotic arm and sensors for enhanced functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If trained caregivers provide direct physical assistance for transferring and wheelchair operation, then users can perform daily activities safely, but the system becomes dependent on human resources that are increasingly unavailable due to aging population and caregiver shortages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of daily activitiesVSAvoidavailability of caregiver assistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables users to independently perform transfer and mobility tasks through automated lifting and navigation functions, eliminating dependency on human caregivers. The lifting device automatically detects user position, executes transfer sequences, and the mobility device autonomously navigates to destinations based on user input or pre-programmed routes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Human physical assistance is replaced by an automated mechanical system comprising a lifting device with actuators, sensors, and control algorithms. The system uses force sensors, position sensors, and motorized mechanisms to perform tasks previously requiring human strength and coordination, such as lifting users from beds to wheelchairs and navigating complex environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If users attempt to transfer and operate wheelchairs independently without adequate assistance, then caregiver availability requirements decrease, but the risk of injury increases due to limited physical strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependence in daily activitiesVSAvoidinjury risk during transfer and mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides users with independent capability to perform transfers and mobility tasks through automated assistance. Users can initiate transfer sequences by simple input methods (voice, button, or automatic detection), and the system executes the complete transfer and navigation process without human physical assistance, enabling true independent operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates multiple safety mechanisms that prevent injury before it can occur: force sensors detect resistance or discomfort during transfer and automatically adjust or halt the operation; position sensors ensure proper alignment throughout the transfer sequence; and the control system monitors vital signs and user feedback to prevent harmful situations before they arise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If manual transfer and wheelchair operation methods are used, then device complexity remains low, but energy consumption by users increases and productivity of daily activities decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of daily activitiesVSAvoidenergy expenditure by users

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces human physical effort with motorized actuators and automated mechanisms. The lifting device uses electric motors to perform the lifting motion, and the mobility device uses motorized wheels for navigation, completely eliminating the need for users to expend physical energy on transfer and mobility tasks that were previously performed manually.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system autonomously performs transfer and navigation tasks without requiring user physical effort. Sensors detect user presence and position, the control system plans and executes transfer sequences, and the mobility device autonomously navigates to destinations, allowing users to conserve energy for other activities while maintaining high productivity in daily routines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11395782B2Intelligent mobility assistance device

Publication Date: 2022.07.26 PING AN TECH (SHENZHEN) CO LTD

AI summary

A device providing intelligent assistance in mobility for disabled people and others includes a mobility device and a lifting device detachably mounted on the mobility device. The lifting device includes a base frame, a retractable bracket structure, several wheels, a sitting pad, and a backrest. The wheels are mounted on a lower surface of the base frame and drive the lifting device to move. The retractable bracket structure is mounted on an upper surface of the base frame. The sitting pad is detachably mounted on the retractable bracket structure, and the backrest is rotatably mounted on the retractable bracket structure.