Reconfigurable Mobility Device Stem for Transport and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobility devices lack stability, speed, and transportability, and often require users to sit, making them difficult to use indoors or transport.
Innovation Solution
A mobility device with a frame, rear wheels, casters, and a stem that can be positioned to switch between scooter and walker configurations, providing stability and the option for electric power, along with a collapsible deck and adjustable handlebars for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user employs conventional mobility devices such as electric seated scooters or power wheelchairs, then mobility assistance is provided, but the devices are difficult to transport in vehicles and require the user to sit
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility device incorporates a stem that can be selectively positioned in multiple configurations (first position for seated operation, second position for standing operation, and folded position for transport). This dynamic reconfigurability allows the device to adapt between different usage states and transport states, resolving the contradiction between ease of transport and usage position flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separable components including the stem, handlebars, and wheel assemblies that can be independently positioned and folded. The stem can be rotated between operational positions and folded against the deck, allowing compact storage while maintaining full functionality during use
2Speed
If a user employs two-wheeled electric kick scooters, then speed and mobility are improved, but the devices are not easy to push manually and require good balance to ride
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility device employs asymmetric wheel configuration with a pair of rear wheels spaced along a transverse axis and at least one caster positioned forwardly of the rear wheels. This asymmetric arrangement provides inherent stability during manual pushing while maintaining speed capability through electric power assistance, resolving the contradiction between speed and manual pushability
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional mobility devices are designed for stability, then user safety is improved, but the devices become difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The stem is configured to be selectively positioned in different configurations including operational positions for stability and a folded position for compact transport. This dynamic transformation allows the device to switch between stable operational state and compact storage state, resolving the contradiction between stability and transport complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A mobility device can have a frame, a pair of rear wheels, and one or more casters. The mobility device can further comprise a stem having handlebars at a first end and a front wheel at a second end. The stem can be selectively positioned relative to the frame between a first position, in which the front wheel and the rear wheels engage the ground, and a second position, in which the rear wheel and the caster(s) engage the ground.