Reconfigurable Wheeled Mobility Device with Multi-Mode Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobility aids, such as wheeled walkers, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters, are limited in their functionality and versatility, often leading to a loss of independence and dignity for users with mobility issues, as they are designed for specific needs and lack flexibility to adapt to changing user requirements, resulting in a restrictive range of activities and stigma associated with their use.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional, convertible, lightweight, power-assisted, and manual wheeled apparatus that allows users to choose from various modes of operation, including a support walker, pushed wheelchair, powered seated vehicle, and freestyle leisure mode, enabling flexible use and independence without the need for multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single mobility device is designed for specific needs, then it provides focused assistance for particular activities, but it restricts the scope of activities the user can engage in and cannot adapt to changing user requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility device is designed with multiple operational modes including walker mode, wheelchair mode, and scooter mode, allowing a single device to perform multiple functions that previously required separate devices. This enables the device to adapt to changing user needs throughout recovery while maintaining manageable complexity through shared structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates convertible components such as adjustable support arms, reconfigurable seat assemblies, and transformable wheel arrangements that can be dynamically adjusted between different configurations. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the device to transition between walker, wheelchair, and scooter modes to match varying user mobility requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mobility devices are owned to cover different needs, then the scope of activities increases, but the cost and storage space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of walker, wheelchair, and scooter into a single integrated device. The shared frame, common wheel assembly, and unified control system eliminate the need for multiple separate devices, reducing both quantity and storage requirements while maintaining full functional range.
Solution Approach 2:
By designing a universal mobility device that encompasses walker, wheelchair, and scooter capabilities, the invention allows users to replace multiple specialized devices with one multi-functional apparatus, directly addressing the issue of device quantity and associated storage costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mobility device is designed with fixed functionality, then it is simpler to manufacture and operate, but it cannot accommodate users progressing from one mobility level to another
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic components including telescopic support arms, adjustable seat positions, and reconfigurable wheel assemblies that can be modified to accommodate varying mobility levels. These dynamic features allow the device to grow with the user's recovery progress while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobility device is divided into modular segments such as independent wheel assemblies, separate support arm sections, and detachable seat components. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing of individual parts while enabling flexible reconfiguration to match user progression through different mobility stages.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wheeled personal mobility device for transporting a person, an electric motor for use with the personal mobility device, a splined connection, an electromagnetic braking system and a steering engagement mechanism. The wheeled personal mobility device may be embodied as a wheeled personal mobility aid. The wheeled personal mobility device is reconfigurable between at least three configurations.