Self-Balancing Two-Wheel Mobility Aid for Confined Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobility aid devices, such as wheelchairs, are unsuitable for navigating confined spaces and require assistance due to their bulkiness and instability, limiting the mobility and independence of users with mobility impairments, which can lead to mental stress and reduced self-esteem.
Innovation Solution
A mobility aid device with two independently drivable wheels that are self-balancing, allowing for compact maneuverability and easy access to various environments, featuring a motor arrangement, adjustable seating, and a control module that manages electrical signals to maintain balance and facilitate movement in tight spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional wheelchairs use four wheels for stability, then stability is improved, but the device becomes bulky and unsuitable for confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelchair is divided into functional modules: a compact frame structure, independent wheel assemblies, and separable components. This segmentation allows the wheelchair to maintain stability through precise structural design while minimizing overall volume for better maneuverability in confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional four-wheel configuration to a two-wheel design, fundamentally changing the dimensional arrangement of support points. This dimensional change enables the wheelchair to achieve stability through alternative mechanical principles while significantly reducing the device's footprint and improving access to narrow areas.
2Ease of operation
If motor arrangements are added to assist mobility, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions: providing propulsive force for forward movement, enabling directional control through differential wheel rotation, and potentially assisting with elevation adjustments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanical systems, thereby managing complexity while enhancing ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates self-regulating features where the motor arrangement automatically adjusts power distribution to wheels based on terrain conditions and user input, reducing the need for complex manual control mechanisms and simplifying the overall system while maintaining ease of operation.
3Volume of moving object
If two wheels are used for compactness, then maneuverability in confined spaces is improved, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelchair incorporates preliminary stabilization features such as pre-positioned counterweights, pre-tensioned structural elements, and predictive control algorithms that anticipate balance adjustments. These preliminary actions ensure stability is maintained even with the reduced two-wheel configuration, allowing compact design without sacrificing safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms through sensors that continuously monitor the wheelchair's tilt angle, wheel position, and load distribution. This real-time feedback is processed by the control module, which adjusts motor output to maintain balance and stability, enabling the compact two-wheel design to perform as stably as traditional four-wheel configurations.
4Volume of moving object
If wheels are contained within 120% of seating area for compactness, then maneuverability is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assemblies are merged with the main frame structure through integrated mounting systems, where wheel hubs serve as structural nodes that simultaneously provide support, rotation, and structural rigidity. This merging eliminates the need for separate suspension and mounting components, achieving compact wheel placement within 120% of seating area while managing structural complexity.
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 users to operate the device safely, comfortably, and efficiently in confined spaces, enhancing mobility and independence while reducing reliance on caregivers and improving quality of life.
Implementation Method 1
a mobility aid device which is driven in operation from a motor arrangement included in the main unit and/or the wheel arrangement, wherein the mobility aid device is propelled forwards or backwards, and turned by the motor arrangement
Implementation Method 2
the mobility aid device is self-balancing using the two wheels by employing a control module that controls an electrical signal that is applied to the motor arrangement
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a mobility aid device including a seat arrangement upon which a user sits when the mobility device aid is in operation, a main unit that supports the seat arrangement, and a wheel arrangement that supports the main unit on a floor surface. The mobility aid device is driven in operation from a motor arrangement included in at least one of the main unit and the wheel arrangement, wherein the mobility device aid is propelled forwards or backwards and turned by the motor arrangement. The wheel arrangement includes two wheels mounted at lateral sides of main unit, wherein the two wheels are mutually independently driven in operation by the motor arrangement. The mobility aid device is self-balancing using the two wheels by employing a control module that controls an electrical signal applied to the motor arrangement, and the wheels are contained within an area that is less than 120% of a seating area of the seat arrangement.