Removable Wheelchair Motor Module for Lightweight Powered Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual wheelchairs are limited by requiring arm propulsion, which can cause musculoskeletal disorders and are cumbersome on sloping ground, while electric wheelchairs are heavy, expensive, and difficult to transport.
Innovation Solution
A modular motorization system for manual wheelchairs, comprising a fastening base and a motor module with removable attachment, allowing both manual and motorized operation, featuring two-axis wheel rotation for propulsion and steering, and regenerative braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a manual wheelchair is used, then it is lightweight and easy to transport, but it requires arm propulsion which causes musculoskeletal disorders and is cumbersome on sloping ground
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic switching between manual and motorized propulsion modes. The motor module can be engaged when motorized propulsion is needed (e.g., on sloping ground) and disengaged when manual propulsion is sufficient, enabling the wheelchair to adapt its propulsion method to the situation rather than being fixed in one mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the propulsion parameter from purely manual to motorized by attaching the motor module. This parameter change allows the wheelchair to overcome the limitation of arm propulsion on sloping ground while maintaining the lightweight characteristic when the motor module is removed.
2Ease of operation
If an electric wheelchair is used, then motorized travel is enabled suitable for more people and facilitates travel on sloping ground, but it becomes very heavy and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The motorization system is segmented into a separate, removable motor module that can be detached from the wheelchair. This segmentation allows the motorized propulsion capability to be separated from the wheelchair base, enabling users to attach it only when motorized travel is needed, thus avoiding the permanent weight burden of a fully integrated electric wheelchair.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheelchair dynamically transitions between lightweight manual mode and motorized mode by attaching or detaching the motor module. This dynamic configuration allows the system to provide motorized travel when needed while maintaining lightweight portability when the motor module is removed.
3Power
If an electric wheelchair with integrated motor and battery is used, then motorized propulsion is achieved, but the wheelchair becomes difficult to fold and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The motor module with battery is separated from the wheelchair folding mechanism. This segmentation allows the wheelchair to maintain its original folding capability while the motor module can be independently removed and stored separately, eliminating the complexity of integrating a heavy motor-battery assembly into the folding structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor module is extracted as a removable component from the wheelchair system. This extraction allows the wheelchair to retain its simple folding design for easy transport, while the motor module can be attached when motorized propulsion is needed and stored separately when not in use.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a removable motor module is attached to a manual wheelchair, then easy conversion between manual and motorized modes is enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor module is designed as a universal attachment that can be connected to the wheelchair through standardized interfaces. This universality allows the same motor module to be attached and detached repeatedly without requiring complex customization, simplifying the attachment system while maintaining high adaptability between manual and motorized modes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy conversion between manual and motorized modes, reduces weight and storage space requirements, and facilitates use on varied terrain without musculoskeletal strain.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first electric motor. The wheel is driven in rotation about a first axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
The system includes means for controlling the first motor
Data Source
AI summary
An assistance system for a manual wheelchair and a manual wheelchair equipped therewith, the system including a fastening base configured to be fixed to a manual wheelchair frame, a battery, a motor module including at least a first electric motor configured to drive a wheel of the motor module in rotation.