Modular Wheelchair Power Base with Articulated Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wheelchairs are limited to planar travel and cannot overcome vertical obstacles or adjust seat height, and their wheels are not utilized when not in use, making them less versatile and functional.
Innovation Solution
A modular power base for wheelchairs with articulable leg modules, including upper and lower leg portions and driven wheels, that can be detachably coupled to the seat, allowing for vertical movement and obstacle traversal, and can be used externally for enhanced mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wheelchair is designed with fixed planar structure, then it is simple and stable, but it cannot overcome vertical obstacles or adjust seat height
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelchair is divided into separate functional modules: a base structure and detachable leg modules. Each leg module contains an upper leg portion and lower leg portion that can be independently articulated. This segmentation allows the wheelchair to maintain simplicity when not in use while gaining vertical traversal capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg modules incorporate articulation joints that enable dynamic movement between upper and lower leg portions. These joints allow the structure to adapt its configuration for overcoming vertical obstacles or adjusting seat height, transforming the static wheelchair into a dynamically adjustable system.
Solution Approach 3:
The leg modules serve multiple functions: they can be used for climbing vertical obstacles, adjusting seat height for different users or situations, and can be detached for storage or alternative uses. This multi-functionality addresses the versatility requirement without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wheels are integrated only into the wheelchair structure, then the structure is compact, but the wheels cannot be used independently for external systems
Solution Approach 1:
The wheels are extracted from the traditional fixed integration and placed within the detachable leg modules. This allows the wheels to be taken out with the leg modules when not needed, or left on the base structure for alternative uses, providing independent wheel utilization without permanent complex integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism for leg modules to the base structure allows dynamic configuration. Users can attach or detach leg modules (with wheels) based on whether wheelchair functionality or independent wheel usage is required, providing flexibility without permanent complex integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the wheelchair uses a non-modular design, then manufacturing is simpler, but the wheelchair cannot be customized or adapted to different needs
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelchair is segmented into standardized base structure and interchangeable leg modules. This segmentation enables different leg modules to be manufactured independently and attached to the same base, allowing customization for different user needs while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized interfaces.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular power base for a wheelchair, the modular power base includes a leg module. The leg module includes an upper leg portion comprising a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end is configured to be detachably and rotatably coupled to a seat portion of the wheelchair. The leg module also includes a lower leg portion having a first end and a second end, the first end of the lower leg portion being rotatably coupled to the distal end of the upper leg portion. The leg module also includes a first wheel rotatably coupled to the distal end of the upper leg portion and to the first end of the lower leg portion and a second wheel rotatably coupled to the second end of the lower leg portion.