Motorized Wheelchair Ramp Turning Control and Modular Frame Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motorized wheelchairs face challenges in minimizing volume and weight, ensuring safe operation on ramps, and preventing motor overheating on inclines due to excessive reverse torque, as well as difficulties in disassembly and storage.
Innovation Solution
The motorized wheelchair design includes a detachable seat and back frame, sub-wheels, obstacle and height difference sensors, and a controller that adjusts speed and turning modes based on inclination angles to prevent overheating and ensure safe operation on ramps, with a braking system to manage torque and facilitate easy disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional electric motor is used to drive the motorized wheelchair, then the motor provides sufficient driving force, but the volume and weight of the wheelchair increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the driving system into multiple small DC motors, with each motor driving one wheel independently. This segmentation allows the wheelchair to achieve sufficient total driving force while using smaller, more space-efficient motors compared to a single large motor system.
2Volume of moving object
If the motorized wheelchair uses a compact design with small motors, then the volume is reduced, but the wheelchair becomes difficult to disassemble and store
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelchair is divided into separable modules including the seat assembly and frame components that can be easily detached from each other. This modular segmentation enables compact storage while maintaining the benefits of small motor integration.
3Reliability
If the motor provides braking force through reverse torque on downhill roads, then safe running is achieved, but the motor burden increases with inclination angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a friction-based braking mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the motor and the wheels. This mechanical braking system shares the load of providing braking force on inclines, preventing excessive reverse torque from damaging the motor while maintaining safe downhill operation.
4Ease of operation
If the motorized wheelchair rotates on a ramp without speed and center of rotation control, then turning capability is achieved, but overturning and collision risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system that provides feedback on the wheelchair's speed and orientation during turning operations. This feedback mechanism allows the control unit to adjust the motor commands in real-time, ensuring that turns on ramps are executed at safe speeds and with appropriate center of rotation selection to prevent overturning.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a motorized wheelchair including a seat frame supporting a seat, a back frame to which the seat frame is detachably connected, a first main wheel and a second main wheel respectively installed at both lower ends of the back frame, an inclination detecting sensor which detects an inclination, and a controller which controls the main wheel and the second main wheel, includes receiving an input for a turning operation, calculating an inclination angle of a running ground by the inclination detecting sensor, and determining whether the inclination angle is greater than a reference angle.