Wheelchair Control System With Modular Usage Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Powered wheelchairs lack personalization and features that assist users in daily activities and pursuing individual interests beyond mere transportation.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a wheelchair control system with a processor, user input device, display, and memory module that allows for customizable settings, storage locations, lighting features, device charging, and other usage features into the wheelchair's structure, such as seat and armrests, to enhance functionality without interfering with standard usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If powered wheelchairs are made standard and simple, then manufacturing cost and device complexity are reduced, but adaptability and personalization capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelchair system is divided into modular components including a base wheelchair and separate usage feature modules (storage, lighting, charging, entertainment). Each module can be independently selected, configured, and attached to the base wheelchair, allowing personalization without requiring a completely custom-built system. This segmentation enables users to customize their wheelchair by combining different modules while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple usage features are integrated into the wheelchair, then adaptability and functionality are improved, but device complexity and structural interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The usage features are designed with dynamic attachment and detachment capabilities, allowing modules to be easily added or removed from the wheelchair base as needed. The features include movable mounting mechanisms that enable flexible positioning and secure attachment when in use, then easy removal for storage or replacement. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt its complexity level based on the number and type of features being used, maintaining simplicity when features are removed while providing full functionality when modules are attached.
3Ease of operation
If usage features are added to assist daily activities, then ease of operation is improved, but the wheelchair may interfere with standard transportation usage
Solution Approach 1:
The usage features are extracted as separate, detachable modules rather than being permanently integrated into the wheelchair structure. This allows standard transportation functionality to remain intact and accessible when features are removed, while providing enhanced capabilities when modules are attached. The base wheelchair maintains its original design and operation characteristics, ensuring that standard usage is not compromised by the presence of additional features.
Data Source
AI summary
A powered wheelchair apparatus includes a chair component, a power base component and a wheelchair control system. The wheelchair control system includes a processor and a user input device communicatively coupled to the processor. A display is communicatively coupled to the processor. A memory module is communicatively coupled to the processor that stores logic that, when executed by the processor, causes the system to receive user instructions from the user input device and display a message on the display based on the user instructions. The display is on a back of the chair component.