Power Wheelchair Input Switching for Adaptive User Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power wheelchair control systems require separate or additional equipment for different types of control inputs, such as proportional and switch-type controls, which can be inconvenient for users whose dexterity or strength levels change throughout the day.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes an input device for user control, a controller with logic to read input signals for speed and direction control, and the ability to change the input device from speed and direction control to audible message output control, allowing users to switch between different control types based on their condition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate or additional equipment is used for different types of control inputs (proportional and switch-type controls), then users can access different control types, but device complexity increases and user convenience decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol type flexibilityVSAvoidequipment configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both proportional and switch-type control inputs through a single integrated system. The controller can dynamically switch between interpreting proportional joystick signals and switch-type button signals, eliminating the need for separate equipment for different control types while maintaining adaptability to various user needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate or additional equipment is used for different types of control inputs, then users can access different control types, but ease of operation decreases due to equipment changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol type flexibilityVSAvoidequipment modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adapts between different control types without requiring physical changes or equipment modifications. The controller can switch between proportional and switch-type control modes based on user input or pre-configured settings, allowing users to change control types seamlessly throughout the day as their strength and dexterity vary

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single input device is used for both proportional and switch-type control, then device complexity decreases, but the ability to accommodate changing user conditions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment configurationVSAvoidcontrol type flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The controller changes its operational parameters to accommodate different control types. It can switch between interpreting continuous proportional signals from a joystick and discrete on/off signals from switch-type inputs. This parameter switching allows a single input device to provide both control modes, maintaining adaptability while reducing equipment complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250128597A1Configurable Power Wheelchair Systems and Methods

Publication Date: 2025.04.24 INVACARE CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods for power wheelchairs are disclosed including, for example, a controller connected to an input device and comprising logic reading input signals from the input device to control speed and direction of the power wheelchair, logic changing the input device from speed and direction control to audible message output control, and logic reading input signals from the input device to output one or more audible messages.