Walking Assistance Robot Alignment for Wheelchair Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users requiring mobility assistance often face inconvenience when trying to switch between walking assistance robots and mobility devices, such as electric wheelchairs, as these devices are not designed for seamless integration, leading to difficulties in simultaneous use or switching between them.
Innovation Solution
A control system that adjusts the relative orientation, alignment, and distance between a mobility device and a walking assistance robot, using sensors and AI-powered image recognition to facilitate a user-friendly switching configuration, allowing for coordinated movement and optimal positioning between the two devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a user is provided with both a walking assistance robot and a mobility device separately, then the user can have access to both types of mobility assistance, but the user experiences inconvenience when switching between the two devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the walking assistance robot and mobility device into an integrated system where the robot can position itself relative to the mobility device and assist the user in transitioning between them. The controller coordinates both devices to achieve proper alignment and spacing, making the switching process seamless and convenient while maintaining access to both types of mobility assistance.
2Reliability
If the walking assistance robot and mobility device are used separately, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the user requires manual manipulation and time to switch between them
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning actions automatically before the user needs to switch devices. The controller pre-positions the walking assistance robot in the correct orientation and distance relative to the mobility device, so that when switching is needed, the user can transition immediately without manual manipulation or waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect the relative position, orientation, and distance between the walking assistance robot and mobility device, providing continuous feedback to the controller. This feedback loop enables the controller to make real-time adjustments to maintain optimal positioning and coordination, reducing switching time while preserving device function optimization.
3Ease of operation
If the walking assistance robot is positioned close to the mobility device for easy switching, then switching becomes more convenient, but the risk of collision or interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the distance and positioning between the walking assistance robot and mobility device based on real-time conditions. The controller uses sensor feedback to maintain an optimal distance that allows convenient switching while preventing collision or interference, adapting the positioning as needed during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A walking assistance system may be controlled by a method for controlling the same. The walking assistance system comprises an mobility device movable by a first driving part, a walking assistance robot, comprising one or more joint parts, and movable by a second driving part, and a controller that is configured to drive one or more of the first driving part or the second driving part so as to control the mobility device and the walking assistance robot to move in coordination with each other. The electric mobility device and the walking assistance robot may be moved to adjust a relative horizontal location between the mobility device and the walking assistance robot and to adjust a relative vertical location between the mobility device and the walking assistance robot, and controlling a total distance between the mobility device and the walking assistance robot to a reference distance.