Modular Powered Wheelchair with Removable Chair Component
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current powered wheelchairs lack customizable functionality and interchangeability of components, failing to adapt to individual user needs and environmental conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular powered wheelchair system with a chair component and power base component that can be removably coupled, utilizing a computing device to communicate and implement passenger-specific settings, such as balancing, speed, and geo-fencing, through a smart device or wearable device, allowing for customization based on user attributes and prescriptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design with removable coupling between chair component and power base component is implemented, then interchangeability and adaptability of wheelchair components are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for coupling interfaces and configuration management
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelchair is divided into separate modular components (chair component and power base component) that can be independently manufactured, configured, and exchanged. Each component has standardized coupling interfaces that enable removable attachment and automatic configuration transfer, resolving the contradiction by making interchangeability possible without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling interfaces are designed with universal characteristics that allow the same interface structure to serve multiple functions: mechanical attachment, electrical connection, and data transfer. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby managing device complexity while enabling component interchangeability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If passenger-specific settings are communicated to the chair component when coupled to the power base, then customization and adaptability to user needs are improved, but loss of information may occur during component separation and reattachment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically transferring and storing configuration data (including passenger-specific settings) from the power base component to the chair component before separation occurs. This ensures that when components are reattached, the settings are already in place and no information is lost, resolving the contradiction between customization and information retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the chair component verifies receipt and implementation of passenger-specific settings after communication from the power base component. This feedback loop ensures configuration data integrity and confirms that customization information has been successfully transferred without loss.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for configuring a wheelchair are provided. One embodiment of a method includes receiving a passenger-specific setting for the wheelchair, determining that a chair component of the wheelchair is removably coupled to a power base component, and in response to determining that the chair component and the power base component are coupled, communicating the passenger-specific setting to the chair component. In some embodiments, in response to receiving the passenger-specific setting, implementing the passenger-specific setting, where implementing the passenger-specific setting includes altering a physical property of the wheelchair.