Wheelchair Steering Add-On Detection for Adaptive Drive Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing add-on hand bikes for wheelchairs are heavy and cumbersome to attach and detach, with complex mounting systems that hinder user convenience and require improved drive system operation based on attachment status.
Innovation Solution
A removable steering assembly for wheelchairs that selectively attaches to the front, featuring a frame assembly, mounting assembly, and drive assembly, which adjusts operation based on attachment status, allowing easy detachment and enhanced drive performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the motorization system, handlebar, and front wheel are integrated into the add-on, then the add-on provides complete steering and drive functionality, but the add-on becomes very heavy and difficult to manipulate, attach, and detach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the add-on into two separate components: a steering assembly (containing handlebar and front wheel) and a drive assembly (containing motorization system). This segmentation allows the steering assembly to be lightweight and easy to attach/detach, while the drive assembly remains integrated with the wheelchair. The steering assembly can be selectively attached or detached without moving the heavy motorized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the motorization system, handlebar, and front wheel are integrated into the add-on, then the add-on provides complete steering and drive functionality, but the add-on becomes cumbersome to attach and detach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the add-on into two separate components: a steering assembly (containing handlebar and front wheel) and a drive assembly (containing motorization system). This segmentation allows the steering assembly to be lightweight and easy to attach/detach, while the drive assembly remains integrated with the wheelchair. The steering assembly can be selectively attached or detached without moving the heavy motorized components.
3Reliability
If a complex mounting system is used for the add-on, then the add-on can be securely attached to the wheelchair, but the mounting process becomes cumbersome for the wheelchair user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex mounting system from the steering assembly and integrates it with the drive assembly that remains permanently attached to the wheelchair. The steering assembly uses a simplified attachment mechanism that interfaces with the existing drive assembly mounting points, eliminating the need for complex user-operated mounting systems while maintaining secure attachment.
4Device complexity
If the drive assembly operates in a fixed configuration, then the drive system is simple to control, but it cannot adapt to different operational modes when the steering assembly is attached or detached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect whether the steering assembly is attached to the drive assembly. Based on this feedback, the control system automatically adjusts operational parameters such as maximum speed, acceleration rates, and power delivery characteristics. This allows the drive system to adapt to different configurations without requiring complex manual controls from the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheelchair including a steering assembly configured to selectively attach to the wheelchair, the steering assembly including a steering member, a front wheel operably connected to the steering member, a frame assembly configured to carry the steering member and the front wheel, and a mounting assembly coupled to the frame assembly, and a drive assembly coupled to the wheelchair. The drive assembly is configured to operate in a first configuration in response to the steering assembly being detached from the wheelchair, and the drive assembly is configured to operate in a second configuration in response to the steering assembly being attached to the wheelchair.