Wireless Adapter Translating Commands for Adaptive Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of wireless remote control solutions for adaptive devices such as wheelchair lifts, cranes, and physical therapy equipment, which are typically limited to wired controls and lack compatibility across different models, restricting their use and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A wireless adapter and handheld electronic device system that translates actuation commands into compatible signals for multiple adaptive devices, enabling universal remote control through a personal area network, allowing seamless control of various adaptive devices using a single handheld device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wired remote controls are used for adaptive devices, then device-specific control functionality is achieved, but compatibility across different device models is limited and the remote controls wear out or break over time
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless adapter is designed with a universal interface that can connect to multiple different adaptive devices through various communication protocols (CAN bus, LIN bus, UART, I2C, SPI). The adapter translates commands from a wired remote control into device-specific signals, enabling one remote to control multiple different devices without wearing out or breaking like traditional wired remotes.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless adapter acts as an intermediary device between the wired remote control and the adaptive device. It receives commands from the remote, translates them into the appropriate protocol for the specific adaptive device, and sends the translated signals through the vehicle's existing wiring harness, thereby extending the remote's functionality and durability.
2Ease of operation
If device-specific wireless controllers are used, then control functionality is achieved, but the controllers cannot be used on other models or adaptive devices
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless adapter provides wireless control capability while maintaining universality across multiple adaptive devices. It supports multiple communication protocols and can be programmed to work with different device types (wheelchair lifts, cranes, transfer devices, etc.), allowing a single adapter to replace multiple device-specific wireless controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless adapter incorporates programmable functionality that allows it to adapt to different adaptive devices through software configuration. The adapter can be programmed with device-specific protocols and parameters, enabling it to dynamically adjust its behavior to match the requirements of different adaptive devices while maintaining a consistent wireless interface.
3Reliability
If conventional wired remote controls are used, then control of individual devices is achieved, but the solution does not provide universal control across multiple adaptive devices
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless adapter enables a single wired remote control to universally control multiple different adaptive devices by translating the remote's commands into device-specific protocols. The adapter maintains reliable control functionality while extending compatibility across wheelchair lifts, cranes, transfer devices, and other adaptive equipment through its multi-protocol support.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter device includes a printed circuit board (PCB), an output port disposed on the PCB and having first pins, where the output port is to be connected to an output harness that is connected to an adaptive device. The adapter also includes wireless circuitry one of disposed on or coupled to the PCB and a processing device disposed on the PCB and coupled to the output port and wireless circuitry. The processing device is to: identify, via the wireless circuitry, an actuation command from a wireless signal received from a handheld electronic device; translate the actuation command to one or more actuation bits that match one of analog-converted bits receivable over an input harness or digital control bits receivable over a wireless controller associated with the adaptive device; and provide the actuation bits to the first pins, the actuation bits causing the adaptive device to perform a specific action.