Pump-Action Mobility Vehicle With Foot-Slide Leg Exercise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheelchairs are bulky, difficult to operate, provide no exercise for the operator, and lack mechanisms for leg exercise while in use, especially for handicapped individuals.
Innovation Solution
A mobility vehicle designed for simple arm motions, incorporating a pumper or rowing arm system with foot slides that provide therapeutic exercise, and an optional battery-powered motor for assistance, allowing for easy maneuverability and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional manually-operated wheelchairs are used, then mobility is provided, but the device is bulky and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelchair is divided into separate functional modules: a compact frame, detachable armrests, removable footrests, and separable wheel assemblies. This segmentation allows the device to be compact for storage while providing full functionality when assembled, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and bulky structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheelchair incorporates dynamic elements including adjustable armrests that can be raised or lowered, telescopic footrests with multiple position settings, and wheels that can be quickly detached and reattached. These dynamic features allow the device to adapt to different operational needs while maintaining a compact form when not in use.
2Ease of operation
If conventional wheelchairs are used, then mobility is provided, but no exercise is provided for the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelchair is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides mobility assistance through its basic wheelchair structure, while simultaneously offering therapeutic exercise through resistance mechanisms in the armrests and footrests. The same device components that provide structural support also deliver therapeutic resistance, making the wheelchair universally beneficial for both mobility and rehabilitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheelchair enables users to perform exercise independently through the integrated resistance mechanisms. The armrests and footrests provide automatic resistance during movement, allowing users to exercise their own muscles without external assistance. The device essentially exercises the user through normal operation.
3Ease of operation
If powered wheelchairs are used, then ease of operation is improved, but no exercise is provided for the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelchair combines motorized assistance for mobility with manual exercise mechanisms for therapy. The motor provides power for traversing difficult terrain or long distances, while the armrests and footrests with resistance mechanisms provide exercise capability. This multi-functional design allows the same device to both assist mobility and provide therapeutic exercise simultaneously.
4Ease of operation
If conventional wheelchairs are used, then basic mobility is provided, but positioning near furniture is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelchair features a compact segmented frame with detachable components that reduce the overall footprint. The separable wheel assemblies and collapsible armrests allow the device to be disassembled into smaller parts for navigating through tight spaces and positioning near furniture, improving maneuverability while maintaining basic mobility function.
Data Source
AI summary
A pump-action mobility and exercise device may include a pumping arm attached to a foot slide. As the pumping arm is actuated, the foot slide moves forward and rearward in response to the pumping action. The foot slide can also be moved by a user's foot movement. The foot slide may be connected to a drive mechanism that selectively engages a chain or belt that loops around a drive wheel arranged on an axle of the vehicle. When the drive mechanism catches and moves the belt or chain in a forward direction, the axle rotates in a forward direction to drive the vehicle forward. A reverse mechanism may also be provided that selectively causes the drive mechanism to catch and drive the belt or chain in an opposite direction.