Mobile platform and related methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for assisting individuals with physical disabilities, particularly those who struggle or are unable to walk, often require users to physically move themselves or rely on others for mobility within their homes, limiting their ability to stay at home due to inaccessible bathroom facilities and lack of wheelchair accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A mobile platform with a motorized deck system that allows users to switch between seating positions, including a toilet and chairs, using a controller to move the deck along a base, facilitating access to different seating devices without requiring the user to walk, thereby enabling independent movement and care within a home setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mobility devices (wheelchairs, crutches) are used, then users can move themselves or be assisted, but users cannot access non-wheelchair accessible facilities (bathrooms, stairs) independently
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile platform is designed to accommodate multiple types of seating devices (wheelchair, commode chair, shower chair, bathtub transfer bench) on a single platform, allowing one device to perform multiple functions and access various facilities including bathrooms and stairs that were previously inaccessible
2Ease of operation
If users rely on others for mobility assistance, then they can move within the home, but they lose independence and require constant care
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile platform includes self-contained features such as an onboard toilet and shower capabilities, allowing users to perform personal hygiene functions independently without requiring assistance from caregivers or family members
3Adaptability or versatility
If home bathroom facilities are made accessible, then users can stay at home, but home modifications are expensive and structurally complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the home structure, the invention segments the bathroom functions (toilet, shower, bathtub access) into portable, movable components that can be brought to the user via the mobile platform, avoiding expensive structural home modifications
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 individuals with mobility issues to safely and independently access bathroom facilities and receive care at home by allowing motorized or manual movement between seating positions, reducing the need for nursing home care and accommodating non-wheelchair accessible homes.
Implementation Method 1
a base coupled to a motor and a deck coupled to a base, wherein the motor is configured to move the deck along the base
Implementation Method 2
the base including a belt pulley fixedly couple to the base, a belt coupled to the motor and extending from the motor and around the belt pulley
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of mobile platforms for assisting a person with a physical disability may include a base coupled to a motor and a deck coupled to a base, wherein the motor is configured to move the deck along the base. The mobile platform may also include a controller coupled with the motor that is configured to direct the motor that moves the deck over the base to a first position to allow a user to sit on a first seating device resting on the deck and to direct the movement of the deck to a second position different from the first position to allow a user to sit on a second seating device resting on the deck, wherein the first seating device and the second seating device are each configured to seat a human.