Power Wheelchair Head Array With Reconfigurable Arms and Dual-Sensor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head array devices for power wheelchairs lack adjustability, are not reconfigurable, fail to comply with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), electromagnetic interference (EMI), and electrostatic discharge (ESD) standards, and suffer from unintentional sensor activation due to moisture, with poor cable management and a bulky design.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable and adjustable head array system with telescoping and swiveling lateral arms, a microprocessor for dual-sensor activation confirmation, and centralized cable management to prevent unintentional activation and meet EMC, EMI, and ESD standards, featuring toolless securing mechanisms for easy adjustment and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If lateral arms are made fixed length and non-adjustable, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral arms are designed with telescoping sections that allow dynamic adjustment of length. The arms can be extended or retracted to accommodate different user head positions and sizes, transforming a static fixed-length component into a dynamic adjustable one while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design
2Adaptability or versatility
If lateral arms are made adjustable with unused sections extending behind headrest, then adaptability to different users is improved, but device complexity and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping lateral arms are designed so that unused sections are nested within the used sections, similar to a nested doll structure. When the arm is adjusted to a shorter position, the excess portion retracts inside the main arm body, eliminating external protrusions and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adjustability
3Ease of manufacture
If head array device is made non-reconfigurable, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The head array device is segmented into modular components including lateral arms, sensors, and mode switches that can be independently positioned and configured. Each component can be attached to different locations on the headrest, allowing multiple configuration arrangements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized mounting interfaces
4Device complexity
If single sensor is used in occipital pad, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to unintentional activation
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors in the occipital pad provide feedback validation before triggering a command. The system requires simultaneous activation of multiple sensors to confirm intentional user input, creating a feedback mechanism that filters out false signals from moisture or accidental contact while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
5Stability of the object's composition
If lateral arms are made permanently attached, then structural stability is improved, but ease of maintenance and cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral arms are designed with quick-release attachment mechanisms that allow them to be easily detached before cleaning procedures. This preliminary detachment action enables complete access to the headrest and sensor areas for thorough cleaning, while the arms can be quickly reattached afterward to restore structural stability
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments provide a head array system for a power wheelchair, including a head array body and one or more lateral arms. The head array body includes shafts. Each of the shafts includes lateral arm receiving sections. The one or more lateral arms are detachably coupled to one of the lateral arm receiving sections of one of the shafts.