Autonomous Wheelchair Power Base for Independent Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheelchairs require assistance to be stored when the user transitions to other forms of transportation, as they are bulky and difficult to manage independently.
Innovation Solution
A modular wheelchair system featuring an autonomous power base with processors, memory modules, and machine-readable instructions that allows the wheelchair to detachably couple with an upper component, enabling the wheelchair to navigate and relocate to a predetermined area without human intervention, using sensors and communication paths for autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional wheelchairs are used, then users can be transported, but the wheelchairs are voluminous and require assistance for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelchair is divided into two separable components: an upper component (seat, backrest, armrests) and a power base. This segmentation allows the upper component to be detached and stored independently in smaller spaces, while the power base can be stored separately, eliminating the need to store the entire wheelchair as one bulky unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The power base is extracted as an autonomous unit with its own navigation capabilities. When the upper component is detached, the power base can autonomously navigate to a storage area without requiring user assistance, effectively taking the storage function out of the user's hands and making it independent.
2Extent of automation
If conventional wheelchairs are used, then users can be transported, but another person's help is needed to place the wheelchair in storage
Solution Approach 1:
The power base is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities including sensors, processors, and machine-readable instructions that enable it to automatically detect when the upper component is detached and independently navigate to a predetermined storage location without requiring human assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations for positioning and storage are replaced with automated electronic systems including processors, memory modules, and machine-readable instructions that control the power base's autonomous navigation and docking capabilities.
3Area of stationary object
If the wheelchair is made voluminous, then it provides adequate support, but it cannot be accommodated in smaller spaces
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the wheelchair into separable components, the system allows the upper component to be removed and placed in smaller storage spaces that would not accommodate a full-sized wheelchair, while the power base can be stored in alternative locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation of components allows for flexible spatial arrangement where the upper component and power base can be stored in different locations and orientations, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space more efficiently and accommodating various storage configurations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The modular wheelchair system includes an upper component, and an autonomous power base configured to detachably couple to the upper component. The autonomous power base includes one or more processors, one or more memory modules, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the autonomous power base to: determine whether the upper component is separated from the autonomous power base; and navigate to a location in response to determination that the upper component is detached from the autonomous power base.