Walking Assistance Battery Coordination for Destination Reachability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking assistance devices and electric mobility devices face challenges in ensuring sufficient battery capacity for effective movement to a destination, leading to difficulties in providing reliable walking assistance when power is insufficient.
Innovation Solution
A walking assistance control system and method that includes a server receiving movement information from both devices, calculating and predicting battery capacity, and generating control commands to manage battery distribution and charging, ensuring the devices can reach their combined location and destination efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric power of the walking assistance device or electric mobility device is increased to ensure sufficient battery capacity for effective movement, then the reliability of walking assistance is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power supply into two separate devices: a walking assistance device with a first battery and an electric mobility device with a second battery. This segmentation allows each device to have optimized power capacity for its specific function, avoiding the need for one oversized complex system while maintaining reliability for both walking assistance and mobility functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges two separate power sources (first battery in walking assistance device, second battery in electric mobility device) to work together as a unified power system. The server coordinates battery usage between both devices, allowing them to complement each other's power capacity, thereby achieving reliable assistance without requiring either device to have excessive individual capacity or complexity.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the battery capacity of the walking assistance device is increased to ensure sufficient power for reaching the destination, then the duration of action is improved, but the weight and portability of the device worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The total battery capacity requirement is segmented between two devices: the walking assistance device carries a first battery with smaller capacity optimized for wearable weight, while the electric mobility device carries a second battery with larger capacity. This segmentation extends the overall duration of action without making the walking assistance device too heavy to wear comfortably.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary that coordinates power management between the two batteries. It monitors power consumption, predicts remaining capacity, and optimizes the usage of both batteries to extend the total duration of action, allowing the walking assistance device to remain lightweight while still achieving extended operational duration through coordinated dual-battery operation.
3Ease of operation
If the battery capacity is optimized for the walking assistance device, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to provide mobility assistance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the functional requirements: the walking assistance device is optimized with a smaller first battery for ease of operation and portability, while the electric mobility device is equipped with a larger second battery to provide the necessary power for mobility assistance. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its primary function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the capabilities of two devices with different power capacities to provide comprehensive assistance. The walking assistance device ensures ease of operation with its lightweight design, while the electric mobility device complements it with additional power capacity for mobility support. Together, they provide both ease of operation and reliable mobility assistance.
4Productivity
If the server calculates and predicts battery capacity to optimize route planning, then the productivity of reaching destination is improved, but the loss of time for calculation and communication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs preliminary calculation of battery reduced capacity based on historical movement information and average moving speed before the user departs. It predicts the remaining battery capacity and determines the feasible destination in advance, allowing route planning to be completed before travel begins. This preliminary action minimizes real-time computational delays and maximizes productivity without significant time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment system includes a walking assistance device configured to be worn by a user to assist walking of the user, an electric mobility device configured to be movable while being combined with the walking assistance device, and a server configured to receive movement information from the walking assistance device and the electric mobility device and to generate a control command for instructing the walking assistance device or the electric mobility device to move to a destination based on the movement information.