Flexible Shield for Wheelchair Control Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, often malfunction due to environmental contaminants like water and snow, which can contact the control interface and cause extended downtime and costly repairs.

Innovation Solution

A protective shield system featuring a flexible cover with openings for the handle and actuating mechanisms, including a translucent section for user interaction, and releasable closure mechanisms like drawstrings and hook-and-loop fasteners to secure the cover around the control interface, preventing contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the control interface is exposed to allow user operation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to contamination from water and environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of control interfaceVSAvoidcontrol interface functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible transparent cover is placed over the control interface to protect it from water and environmental contaminants while allowing the user to see and operate the controls. The cover acts as a barrier that maintains both protection and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent cover serves as an intermediary element between the user and the control interface. It transmits touch forces from the user to the controls underneath while blocking harmful environmental factors, thus mediating the interaction between the user and the protected interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a protective cover is added to shield the control interface, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol interface protectionVSAvoidcontrol interface structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding a complex rigid enclosure, a simple flexible transparent cover is used to protect the control interface. This single-component solution provides effective protection without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cover is designed as an inexpensive, easily replaceable component that can be quickly attached and removed. This approach prioritizes simplicity and ease of replacement over permanent integrated protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If the cover is made opaque to provide full protection, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced visibility and access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from contaminantsVSAvoidvisibility and access to controls

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A transparent flexible cover is used instead of an opaque one, allowing users to see the control interface through the material while still providing protection from water and contaminants. The transparency maintains visibility and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent cover acts as an intermediary that transmits both visual information and tactile forces. Users can see the controls through the cover and apply pressure that is transmitted to the underlying buttons, maintaining full operational capability while providing protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If the cover is tightly sealed to prevent contamination, then reliability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates due to difficulty in removing the cover

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidcover removal and reinstallation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The cover uses dynamic closure mechanisms (magnetic or elastic) that allow easy attachment and detachment. The closure strength is sufficient to provide protection during use but can be easily overcome when removal is needed for repair or maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced rather than repaired. The closure mechanisms are intended for repeated attachment and detachment cycles, prioritizing ease of maintenance over permanent sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS9675506B2Protective shield systems for control interfaces of mobility devices

Publication Date: 2017.06.13 FISHER SR JAN E

AI summary

A protective shield system protects a control interface of a wheelchair from environmental factors. The control interface includes a handle extending from a housing of the control interface to control motion of the wheelchair and one or more actuating mechanisms on the housing of the control interface to control one or more wheelchair functions. The protective shield system includes a flexible cover including at least one opening therein. The opening encompasses the handle when the cover is placed in operative connection with the control interface. The flexible cover further includes a releasable closure mechanism via which the at least one opening may be closed around a base of the handle. At least a portion of the flexible cover which is placed over the one or more actuating mechanisms is translucent. The one or more actuating mechanisms are actuatable by a user of the wheelchair by contact by the user with an outer surface of the portion of the flexible cover which is placed over the one or more actuating mechanisms.