Powered Balancing Mobility Device With Active Stability Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobility devices face challenges in balancing stability and ease of locomotion, particularly for physically disabled users, with issues such as sudden loss of balance, complex designs, and inadequate user control, while also needing enhanced safety features and adaptive responses to unstable situations.
Innovation Solution
A powered balancing mobility device with a powerbase assembly, redundant processors, and sensors that actively stabilize and adjust to maintain balance, including features like automatic mode transitions, all-terrain wheels, and user-configurable controls, along with obstacle and stair navigation capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the mobility device uses active stabilization control to maintain balance, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility device employs sensors to continuously monitor its state and feeds this information back to the control system, which adjusts motor commands in real-time to maintain balance. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables active stabilization while managing complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical stabilization mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses motors and sensors to actively balance the device. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while improving stability through computational control algorithms.
2Reliability
If the mobility device provides fault detection and operation after fault, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary diagnostic checks and monitors system health continuously, detecting potential faults before they cause failure. This proactive approach improves reliability by preventing unexpected failures and enabling planned maintenance or mode transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobility device dynamically adjusts its operation based on detected faults, transitioning between different operational modes (e.g., from two-wheel to four-wheel mode) to maintain functionality. This adaptive response improves reliability while managing complexity through automated mode switching.
3Ease of operation
If the mobility device is designed for upright travel, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to various terrains deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility device dynamically adjusts its configuration based on terrain conditions, transitioning between upright and inverted positions to navigate different terrains. This dynamic adaptability maintains ease of operation by automatically selecting the optimal posture for each terrain condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to perform multiple functions across different terrains using a single platform, capable of both upright travel and inverted stair climbing. This multi-functionality improves adaptability while maintaining ease of operation through automated terrain recognition and response.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the mobility device provides inverted position capability for stair navigation, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility device autonomously determines when inverted position is needed and automatically executes the transition without user intervention. The system self-manages the complexity of inverted operation, presenting a simplified interface to the user while maintaining high adaptability to stair terrain.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for controlling a mobility device including a processor configured for a workflow process configured for filtering user commands based on a status of the mobility device and defining filtered commands. A mobility device command process is configured for issuing commands based on the filtered commands. The mobility device responds to the commands that are configured for controlling moving the mobility device.