Electric Rollator Front Wheel Step Climbing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional walking aids, such as electric rollators, require users with gait impairments to apply a large load to lift the front wheel over high steps, which can be strenuous and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The electric rollator incorporates a control unit with sensors (speed, inclination, grip, and leg detection) that automatically lift the front wheel relative to the rear wheel, allowing it to navigate steps without requiring significant user effort, using motors and planetary gear mechanisms to adjust driving force based on sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the front wheel is lifted by user operation to run onto high steps, then the wheel can overcome obstacles, but the user experiences large load and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The rollator system automatically detects when the front wheel encounters a step obstacle and autonomously controls the driving motor to lift the front wheel, eliminating the need for user intervention. The sensor detects the obstacle, the controller determines lifting is needed, and the motor executes the lifting action without user input, making the system serve itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of lifting the front wheel by the user is replaced with an automated electromechanical system. Sensors detect the obstacle condition, the controller processes this information, and the driving motor provides the mechanical force to lift the wheel, substituting the user's manual mechanical action with an automated control system.
2Productivity
If the driving motor provides normal assist force, then the rollator operates efficiently for normal traveling, but the front wheel cannot run onto high steps
Solution Approach 1:
The driving force from the motor is made dynamic and adjustable based on real-time conditions. During normal traveling, the motor provides standard assist force for efficient operation. When a step obstacle is detected by the sensor, the controller increases the motor output to provide enhanced lifting force, allowing the system to adapt its performance characteristics to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating parameters of the driving motor are changed based on detected conditions. The controller monitors the rolling state through sensors and adjusts motor parameters (torque, power output) accordingly - maintaining normal parameters for efficient traveling and increasing power parameters when step negotiation is required, thus achieving both efficiency and versatility.
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 the rollator to smoothly traverse steps without excessive user load, enhancing mobility and reducing fatigue for individuals with gait impairments by automating the wheel-lifting mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
more than one driving motor that drives each wheel rotatably
Implementation Method 2
a sensor that detects a rolling state of the rollator
Implementation Method 3
a controller that detects a counter electromotive force generated at the driving motor and then controls the driving motor based on the detected counter electromotive force
Data Source
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AI summary
One object is to provide an electric vehicle in which a front wheel can run onto a step without need of an operation causing a large load to users. An electric vehicle includes: a frame; at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel provided on the frame; a drive unit configured to produce a driving force to lift the at least one front wheel relative to the at least one rear wheel; and a control unit connected to the drive unit and configured to control the drive unit, When the control unit determines that the at least one front wheel has struck a step while a user is trying to move the electric vehicle forward, the control unit controls the drive unit to lift the at least one front wheel relative to the at least one rear wheel.