Wheelchair Brace System for Independent Position Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of power wheelchairs face difficulties in transitioning between seated and standing positions without assistance, as existing power wheelchairs lack a mechanism to provide independent support for users to change positions safely and securely.
Innovation Solution
A wheelchair system with a brace system that includes inflatable devices and actuators, allowing the braces to move between a retracted and deployed position to stabilize the user, enabling them to transition between positions independently, and automatically adjusting via a processing device and programming instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a power wheelchair is designed without additional support mechanisms, then the device complexity is low, but the user cannot independently transition between seated and standing positions
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism is divided into separate modular components including individual braces for each leg, inflatable devices that can be independently controlled, and distributed actuators. This segmentation allows the complex function of position transition to be achieved through coordinated simple modular units, improving ease of operation while managing device complexity through modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheelchair system incorporates self-service capabilities through automated sensors that detect user intent to transition positions, automatically deploy and inflate the support braces, and coordinate actuators to assist the user through the transition without requiring external assistance, thereby improving ease of operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If inflatable devices are added to wrap around the user's legs, then the user stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses inflatable devices (pneumatic elements) integrated into the braces that can be rapidly deployed and adjusted to provide stable support around the user's legs. This pneumatic approach provides smooth, adjustable support forces that improve user stability during position transition while being relatively simple to control through basic inflation/deflation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable devices provide dynamic support that can adapt to the user's movements and body position changes during transition. The braces are designed to move between retracted and deployed positions, and the inflation/deflation occurs dynamically during the transition process, allowing the support system to adapt in real-time to maintain optimal stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the brace system is always deployed to provide support, then the user stability is maximized, but the wheelchair usability for normal operations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The brace system is designed to dynamically transition between retracted and deployed states based on operational needs. During normal wheelchair operations, the braces remain retracted to avoid interference. When position transition is detected or requested, the braces automatically deploy and inflate to provide support, then retract after the transition is complete, thus maintaining both stability when needed and usability during normal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary deployment of the brace system in anticipation of or during the initiation of position transition. The braces are deployed and inflated before the user actually needs support during the transition process, ensuring stability is available exactly when required while remaining retracted during normal operations to maintain wheelchair usability.
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 safely and securely transition between seated and standing positions without external aid, providing necessary support and stability, while allowing the wheelchair to resume normal operation when the brace system is retracted.
Implementation Method 1
one or more inflatable devices coupled to each one of the pair of braces. The one or more inflatable devices are configured to inflate to at least partially circumferentially wrap around a portion of a pair of legs of a user to secure the user to the wheelchair
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of wheelchair systems herein provide a wheelchair capable of providing a brace system that moves between retracted and deployed positions to provide a physical support to the legs of the user to assist the user in transition between a plurality of user positions. Embodiments determine a user request for such assistance and then either deploys and/or retracts the brace system. Embodiments provide for assistance independent of additional people, such as aides, to assist the user in moving or transitioning between the plurality of user positions while also allowing or permitting the wheelchair to function normally when the brace system is in the retracted position.