Wheelchair Exoskeleton Power Sharing via Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exoskeletons for wheelchairs are bulky, heavy, and require independent power sources, making them inefficient for assisting users in standing tasks without integrating with the wheelchair system.
Innovation Solution
A wheelchair system with a movable exoskeleton assembly that is communicatively coupled to a control unit via a cable, allowing the exoskeleton to be releasably coupled to the wheelchair frame, providing electrical power and control signals to assist users in standing, and transitioning between wheelchair and exoskeleton modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an exoskeleton is designed to assist users in standing independently, then the standing assistance function is improved, but the device becomes bulky and heavy requiring independent power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton is integrated with the wheelchair system by sharing the power source (battery) and control unit. The exoskeleton communicates with the wheelchair control unit via a cable, allowing the wheelchair's power and control systems to support the exoskeleton's standing assistance function, thereby eliminating the need for separate heavy power sources and reducing overall system weight.
2Ease of operation
If an exoskeleton uses an independent power source, then the standing function is improved, but the device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton shares the wheelchair's control unit and power source through a cable connection. This integration allows the exoskeleton to access the wheelchair's battery power and control systems, reducing the need for duplicate components and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining independent standing functionality.
3Weight of moving object
If the exoskeleton is integrated with the wheelchair, then the weight is reduced, but the adaptability between wheelchair and exoskeleton modes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a cable connection that allows dynamic transition between wheelchair mode and exoskeleton mode. The cable can be connected or disconnected based on operational needs, enabling the system to adapt between integrated (weight-reduced) and independent (versatile) configurations, thus maintaining both weight efficiency and mode adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein are directed to a wheelchair system that includes a wheelchair and an exoskeleton. The wheelchair includes a frame, a pair of armrests coupled to the frame, and a control unit. The pair of armrests movable between an attached position and a detached position. When in the attached position, each one of the pair of armrests are coupled to the frame and when in the detached position, each one of the pair of armrests is removed from the frame. The exoskeleton is communicatively coupled to the control unit via a cable extending between the exoskeleton and the control unit. The exoskeleton being releasably coupled to at least a portion of the frame of the wheelchair. The wheelchair system is translatable between a wheelchair mode and an exoskeleton mode such that, when in the exoskeleton mode, the control unit provides electrical power and control signals to the exoskeleton.