Modular Mobility Chassis With Interchangeable Support Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobility devices for children and young adults with disabilities lack adjustability and adaptability to their growing needs and changing medical conditions, leading to frequent upgrades and operational difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A modular medical mobility device with a reconfigurable chassis and interchangeable modules, including a front-end module, drive module, power module, leg support module, and seating module, that can be adjusted to accommodate varying body dimensions and needs, ensuring continuous usability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mobility devices are designed with fixed size and configuration, then manufacturing and operation are simplified, but they cannot accommodate children's growth or changing medical needs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility device is divided into multiple interchangeable modules including a chassis, front-end module, drive module, power module, leg support module, and seating module. Each module can be independently adjusted or replaced to accommodate the user's changing needs, allowing the device to adapt to growth and medical condition changes without requiring complete device replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable components that can be dynamically reconfigured. The mounting points on the chassis allow modules to be positioned at different locations, and various components such as the front-end module, leg support module, and seating module can be adjusted in size and configuration to match the user's current requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobility devices are designed to be highly adjustable and modular, then adaptability to user needs is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis is designed with multiple mounting points that can accommodate various modules and configurations. This universal mounting system allows the same base chassis to support different front-end modules, drive modules, power modules, leg support modules, and seating modules, enabling a single manufacturing platform to produce multiple customized configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for parameter adjustments in module sizes, positions, and configurations to match the user's body dimensions and medical needs. The mounting points are positioned at multiple locations on the chassis, allowing modules to be installed at different parameters (positions) to achieve the required adjustability while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If traditional control mechanisms are used in mobility devices, then device simplicity is maintained, but operability becomes difficult for children and young adults with disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanisms are specifically designed and positioned according to the user's disability type and operational needs. Different control options can be integrated into the seating module or attached to the chassis at optimal locations, providing localized control solutions that match the user's physical capabilities rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
4Stability of the object's composition
If mobility devices are designed as non-modular units, then structural integrity is maintained, but adaptability to changing medical conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components (chassis, front-end module, drive module, power module, leg support module, seating module) that can be independently adjusted or replaced. This segmentation maintains structural integrity of each module while enabling overall system adaptability to changing medical conditions through module interchangeability.
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis is pre-designed with multiple mounting points and attachment mechanisms that anticipate future adjustment needs. This preliminary preparation allows for easy reconfiguration and module replacement when medical conditions change, without requiring structural modifications or compromising the integrity of the base chassis.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular ride-on is provided that is adjustable based on the needs of the operator. The modular ride-on offers children and young adults with disabilities a higher degree of freedom and comfort over traditional mobility devices—such as wheelchairs. The modular ride-on includes a chassis configured to removably couple a plurality of adjustable modules. The independently adjustable modules include a front-end module, first and second drive modules, a seating module, a harness module, an armrest module, a footrest module, a leg support, module, a body module, and a control module.