Powered Wheel Locking Assembly for Foldable Wheelchairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual wheelchairs are not suitable for all users, and existing electric wheelchairs often require a different design that prevents folding for easier portability.
Innovation Solution
A powered wheel for wheelchairs featuring a self-contained battery, motor, and drive system with retractable locking pins that engage with the wheelchair, allowing conversion between freewheel and powered modes, and controlled by a remote or manual interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an electric motor and control systems are built into the chair below the seat, then the wheelchair provides powered mobility assistance, but the chair cannot fold for easier portability
Solution Approach 1:
The powered wheel is divided into separate functional modules: a drive unit containing the electric motor and battery, and a wheel assembly. The drive unit can be detached from the wheel, allowing the wheel to be removed and the chair to fold for portability, while the drive unit can be attached to provide powered mobility assistance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions between static and dynamic configurations. The powered wheel assembly can be dynamically attached to or removed from the wheelchair, enabling the chair to switch between a foldable manual configuration and an extended powered configuration, thus adapting to different mobility needs and portability requirements.
2Power
If a powered wheel with integrated battery and motor is used, then the wheelchair gains electric drive capability, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The powered wheel assembly serves multiple functions: it can operate as a manual wheel when the drive unit is detached, and as a powered wheel when the drive unit is attached. The locking mechanism provides both securing functionality and mode indication, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive unit combines the electric motor, battery, and control systems into a single integrated assembly that attaches to the wheel. This merging of components reduces the number of separate parts and connections needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full electric drive capability.
3Reliability
If retractable locking pins are used to engage the drive unit with the wheelchair, then the powered wheel can be securely attached, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pins are spring-loaded and automatically engage with the receiver when the drive unit is attached to the wheel. The springs provide automatic retraction and engagement without requiring manual operation, and the system includes automatic detection of the locked state, eliminating the need for complex manual locking mechanisms or additional actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses simple spring-loaded pins and receivers instead of complex mechanical locking systems. The spring force provides automatic engagement and retention, replacing the need for threads, latches, or multiple fastening components, thereby achieving reliable attachment with minimal mechanical complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables a wheelchair to operate as an electric wheelchair with folding capabilities, providing mobility assistance while maintaining portability and allowing manual operation when needed.
Implementation Method 1
a battery for powering the drive unit
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor for driving the powered wheel
Implementation Method 3
at least one retractable locking pin for engaging the drive unit with the wheelchair
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a drive unit of a powered wheel for a wheelchair. The drive unit comprises a battery for powering the drive unit and an electric motor for driving the powered wheel. The drive unit also comprises at least one retractable locking pin for engaging the drive unit with the wheelchair to allow the electric motor to drive the wheelchair.