Power Base Attachment for Manual Wheelchair Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power attachments for manual wheelchairs do not replace the large rear wheels, are not controlled by a joystick, do not maintain the user's posture, and lack an anti-tip/counterbalance mechanism, making them inconvenient and difficult to maneuver, especially when attaching to standard wheelchairs through axle receivers.
Innovation Solution
A power base attachment that replaces the rear wheels with electric drive wheels controlled by a joystick, adjustable to fit different wheelchair heights and widths, and includes an anti-tip/counterbalance mechanism to maintain user balance and stability, attaching through existing axle receivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If power attachments are added to manual wheelchairs, then propulsion capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power base attachment with the manual wheelchair frame by integrating electric motors, batteries, and control systems into a unified assembly that attaches to the existing wheelchair structure. This merging approach provides powered propulsion while managing complexity through integrated design rather than separate add-on components.
Solution Approach 2:
The power base attachment is designed to be universally compatible with standard manual wheelchair axle receivers, allowing the same attachment mechanism to work across different wheelchair models. The attachment can also be removed and reinstalled, providing multi-functionality as both a powered assist device and a convertible manual wheelchair.
2Adaptability or versatility
If attachment is not through axle receivers, then adaptability is improved, but center of gravity stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power base attachment utilizes standard wheelchair axle receivers as the attachment interface, providing universality and adaptability across different manual wheelchair models while maintaining the original center of gravity position. This approach achieves both broad compatibility and stability through the standardized attachment points that preserve the wheelchair's original balance characteristics.
3Strength
If rear wheels are not removed, then structural integrity is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a dynamic configuration option where the rear wheels can be removed from the manual wheelchair frame when the power base attachment is installed. This dynamic reconfiguration enables easier operation by eliminating the cumbersome large rear wheels that are no longer needed for propulsion, while the structural integrity is maintained through the power base attachment's own frame and drive mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure describes an improved apparatus for converting a manually-powered wheelchair into an electrically powered wheelchair. The apparatus comprises a frame, at least one powered drive wheel, at least one motor powering said drive wheel, and at least one power base axle receiver capable of connecting with an existing axle receiver of a manually powered wheelchair. The apparatus further includes an anti-tip/counterbalance mechanism to prevent a user from losing control and falling backward when the power base attachment is connected. The apparatus uses the existing axle receiver of a manual wheelchair as a universal connection point and to maintain the center of gravity for a user.