Interactive Mobility Device Profile Calibration System

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Calibrating mobility devices, such as powered wheelchairs and scooters, to regulate acceleration and turning rates is complex and often requires technical expertise, with existing methods being tedious, non-intuitive, and costly, and may not effectively prevent instability.

Innovation Solution

A mobility device profile generation system using a processor and graphical representation to allow users to interactively adjust variables, producing a control profile that limits the operation of the controller, thereby calibrating the device without requiring extensive programming expertise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sensors are used to detect instability and limit mobility device operation, then stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary calibration process with graphical representation and manual adjustment as a mediator between the user and the controller parameters. Instead of directly using sensors to detect instability, the system provides a calibration interface where users can interactively adjust parameters like maximum velocity and acceleration rates through graphical displays, achieving stability without requiring complex sensor systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration system enables self-service by allowing users to directly adjust controller parameters through an intuitive graphical interface. Users can modify acceleration rates, velocity limits, and turning rates without requiring external assistance or complex sensor-based detection systems, making the system self-calibrating through user interaction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If sensors are used to detect instability, then stability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive sensor systems with a cost-effective calibration approach using standard graphical display and input devices. The solution uses inexpensive, readily available components (display screen, input device) instead of costly specialized sensors, achieving stability through software-based parameter adjustment rather than hardware-based detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Manufacturing precision

If manual programming of calibration parameters is used, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional numerical parameter entry to two-dimensional graphical representation. Users interact with visual displays showing relationships between parameters (velocity, acceleration, turning rates) and make adjustments by manipulating graphical elements, making the calibration process more intuitive while maintaining precise control over device behavior

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual numerical programming with an interactive graphical interface system. Instead of requiring users to input numerical values and understand complex parameter relationships, the system provides visual representations where users can adjust parameters through graphical manipulation, substituting intuitive visual interaction for complex manual programming

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Manufacturing precision

If multiple trials are conducted to optimize performance, then control precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidloss of time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by providing default calibration parameters and pre-configured graphical representations that work effectively for most users. This allows users to achieve good performance with minimal adjustment, reducing the need for multiple trial-and-error iterations while still allowing optimization when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration system incorporates feedback mechanisms where users can observe the effects of parameter adjustments in real-time through the graphical display. This immediate feedback allows users to make informed adjustments without requiring multiple external trials, reducing calibration time while maintaining optimal performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9904449B2Method for producing a control profile to operate a mobility device

Publication Date: 2018.02.27 DYNAMIC CONTROLS

AI summary

A mobility device profile generation system for producing a control profile for operating a mobility device. A system processor displays profile data stored in memory on a display device in the form of a graphical representation depicting a relationship between at least two variables associated with operating the mobility device. Using a human input device a user may interactively adjust the graphical representation to calibrate the relationship between the at least two variables to produce a control profile that limits the range of operation of a controller of a mobility device according to the graphical representation. This control profile may be loaded into a controller of a mobility device to limit operation according to the profile.