Motorisation Device for Wheelchair Using Rolling Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized wheelchairs with electric motors and batteries integrated into the frame are cumbersome, difficult to transport, and require significant effort to maneuver, especially on rough or uphill paths.
Innovation Solution
A motorization device that can be easily attached to a non-motorized wheelchair, featuring rolling elements with high-friction coatings that contact the wheels, and a motor system controlled by a sensor unit and control board to assist movement and maintain stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If motorized wheelchairs with electric motors and batteries integrated into the frame are used, then the wheelchair can move easily along any path including rough and uphill terrain, but the wheelchair becomes very heavy and cumbersome, difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The motorization system is divided into separate modular units that can be independently attached to or removed from the wheelchair. Each motor unit is self-contained with its own drive mechanism, allowing the wheelchair to be segmented into a lightweight base and optional motorized attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The heavy motor and battery components are extracted from the wheelchair frame and replaced with lightweight rolling elements that have high-friction coatings. The motorization function is achieved through these external rolling elements rather than integrated heavy motors, thereby reducing the overall weight while maintaining mobility capability.
2Ease of operation
If motorized wheelchairs with electric motors and batteries integrated into the frame are used, then the wheelchair can move easily along any path including rough and uphill terrain, but the wheelchair becomes bulky and cannot be folded
Solution Approach 1:
The motorization system is divided into separate modular units that can be independently attached to or removed from the wheelchair. Each motor unit is self-contained with its own drive mechanism, allowing the wheelchair to be segmented into a lightweight base and optional motorized attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheelchair transitions from a static integrated motor system to a dynamic configuration where rolling elements can be attached or detached based on terrain requirements. The system adapts its level of motorization depending on whether the user needs to navigate difficult terrain or requires portability and folding capability.
3Ease of operation
If motorized wheelchairs with electric motors and batteries integrated into the frame are used, then the wheelchair can move easily along any path including rough and uphill terrain, but the motor and batteries are particularly heavy causing difficulties in transportation and high motor consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy motor and battery components are extracted from the wheelchair frame and replaced with lightweight rolling elements that have high-friction coatings. The motorization function is achieved through these external rolling elements rather than integrated heavy motors, thereby reducing the overall weight while maintaining mobility capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Rolling elements with high-friction coatings serve as intermediaries between the wheelchair wheels and the ground. These rolling elements provide the necessary traction for motorized movement without requiring heavy integrated motors, effectively mediating the force transmission while reducing energy consumption and weight.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional motorized wheelchairs with integrated motors are used, then the wheelchair can navigate rough and uphill terrain, but the device complexity increases and the wheelchair cannot be easily folded or transported
Solution Approach 1:
The motorization system is divided into separate modular units that can be independently attached to or removed from the wheelchair. Each motor unit is self-contained with its own drive mechanism, allowing the wheelchair to be segmented into a lightweight base and optional motorized attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheelchair transitions from a static integrated motor system to a dynamic configuration where rolling elements can be attached or detached based on terrain requirements. The system adapts its level of motorization depending on whether the user needs to navigate difficult terrain or requires portability and folding capability.
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 navigation of wheelchairs on any path, including rough or uphill terrain, without the bulk and weight of traditional motorized wheelchairs, while maintaining the transportability and usability of the original wheelchair.
Implementation Method 1
rolling elements (2) with high-friction coatings configured to contact said at least one wheel (131, 132)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A motorization device (1)a wheelchair (10) is provided; the wheelchair (10) comprises a frame (11); a posture system (12) constrained to the frame (11); and at least one wheel (131, 132) hinged to the frame and defining a tread (13a); the motorization device (1) comprises a rolling element (2) configured to contact the wheel (131, 132) at the tread (13a); a motor (3) kinematically connected to the rolling element (2) so as to rotate it by controlling the rotation of the wheel (131, 132) and thus the movement of the wheelchair (10); an sensor unit (4) configured to detect the tilt of the motorization device (1); and a control board (5) configured to control the motor (3) according to the sensor unit (4).