TW202237052A - Removable power assist for manual wheelchair - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a removable power assist for converting a manual wheelchair into an electronic wheelchair, based on configuring a friction roller to releasably engage with a wheelchair wheel, configuring the friction roller when engaged to drive the wheel through a contact surface with the wheel above the wheel center and behind the wheelchair seating area, configuring a motor to rotate the friction roller, and moving the wheelchair based on engaging the friction roller and activating the motor to turn the wheel through force by the friction roller against the contact surface with the wheel. The power assist may include a user operable lever configured to engage or disengage the friction roller without a user leaving their seated position in the wheelchair. Configuring the friction roller above the wheel center and behind the wheelchair seating area may permit collapsible wheelchair folding or unfolding without uninstalling the power assist.

Description

Removable power assist for manual wheelchairs

Cross References to Related Applications

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16/689,931 filed November 20, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. The continuation of US Patent No. 10,517,780 published on December 12, 2019, and US Patent Application No. 16/395,391 claiming the priority of US Provisional Application No. 62/663,289 filed on April 27, 2018, The entire content of the above case is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present application relates generally to a removable power assist for a manual wheelchair, and more particularly to a device for converting a manual wheelchair to an electric wheelchair.

In 2011, an estimated 2.7 million Americans used wheelchairs on a regular basis; in 1995 it was 1.8 million. According to the 2011 Census, 46,000,000 Americans are disabled and receiving income-based assistance. In that group, 18.2% reported difficulty walking. There are also groups of people who need a wheelchair temporarily (eg 2 to 12 months) and would rather not spend money on an electronic wheelchair, although electronic wheels are preferred over manual wheelchairs.

Electronic wheelchairs, and many new technologies in this field, are extremely expensive; and the most expensive There is a huge price gap between expensive manual wheelchairs and the cheapest electric wheelchairs, often in the thousands of dollars range. In addition to cost, other limitations of electric wheelchairs include: portability (foldable); weight; and structural bulk. Devices exist on the market for converting manual wheelchairs to electronic wheelchairs, but they have deficiencies that prevent them from being installed by the end user seated in the chair, are bulky, not portable, have poor surface contact for the propulsion system and/or Cannot be disengaged without unloading the device from the chair.

There is a need for a device for converting a manual wheelchair to an electric drive system that is cost-effective, portable, easy to install and use, lightweight, and convertible from electric to manual alternatively without uninstalling the device. The device should be adaptable to existing manual wheelchairs without the need for professional installation.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a removable power assist for converting a manual wheelchair to an electric wheelchair based on configuring a friction roller to detachably engage with a wheelchair wheel; When the wheel is engaged, the wheel is driven by contacting one of the wheels' surfaces above the center of the wheel and behind the wheelchair seating area; a motor is configured to turn the friction roller; The force of the contact surface of the wheels turns the wheels to move the wheelchair. Power assist may include a user-operable lever configured to engage and disengage the friction rollers without a user leaving their seated position in the wheelchair. Configuring the friction rollers over the center of the wheels and behind the wheelchair seating area allows the collapsible wheelchair to be folded or unfolded without unloading power assistance.

An apparatus and method for converting a manual wheelchair to an electronic wheelchair are disclosed. The device includes a joystick, a communication unit, a motor, a retractable friction roller, a joint combined unit and a power supply. The joystick is operatively connected to a communication unit. The communication unit is operatively connected to a motor. The motor includes a shaft connected to a rotor. A retractable friction roller is mounted on the shaft. The rollers are placed in contact with one of the wheels of a manual wheelchair. The engagement unit is attached to the manual wheelchair to detachably attach the friction rollers and wheels. A power source is operably connected to the motor and the joystick.

According to the teachings of the present invention, a device for converting a manual wheelchair into an electronic wheelchair is provided. Described herein is a manual wheelchair accessory device configured to attach to a manual wheelchair that will convert the manual wheelchair into an electric wheelchair while still retaining the advantages offered by the manual wheelchair. The device consists of an attachable power supply that attaches to a standard manual wheelchair.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device having a joystick, a communication unit, a motor, a retractable friction roller, an engagement unit and a power source. The joystick is operatively connected to a communication unit. The communication unit is operatively connected to a motor. The motor includes a shaft connected to a rotor. A retractable friction roller is mounted on the shaft. The rollers are placed in contact with one of the wheels of a manual wheelchair. An engagement unit is attached to the manual wheelchair to detachably attach the friction roller to the wheel. A power source is operably connected to the motor and the joystick.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a second motor operatively connected to a second communication unit and the power source. The second communication unit is operatively connected to the joystick. The second motor includes a second shaft connected to a second rotor. This embodiment includes a second friction roller mounted on the second shaft. The second roller is placed in contact with a second wheel of one of the manual wheelchairs to facilitate motorized movement. In another embodiment, a joystick is operatively connected to the rotors and operatively programmable to generate commands for the motors.

The present invention easily converts a manual wheelchair into a powered, intelligent wheelchair. Book Features of the invention include 1) use of the friction rollers in contact with the wheels to create directional movement; 2) the ability to engage and disengage the friction rollers from the wheels of the wheelchair, allowing the user to use manual propulsion while the device is still attached to the wheelchair. Propelling the wheelchair - a feature that is necessary if the battery or motor stops running; 3) the ability to fold the wheelchair with the device attached without altering the folding of a standard manual wheelchair or the normal space it occupies ; 4) unit portability. In one embodiment, the device includes a safety guard to prevent a user's fingers from getting caught in the motor or gears. In another embodiment, the motors are bi-directional and independent of each other such that the motors attached to each wheelchair wheel can turn in opposite directions and rotate the wheelchair in place. Using the present invention, acute and long-term care wheelchair companies as well as individual users can afford to raise the standard of their equipment and care to a higher professional level.

100: device

102: Joystick

104: retractable friction roller

106: Joining unit

108: power supply

110: Communication unit

112: motor

114: shaft

116: rotor

202: Manual wheelchair

204: arm

206: wheels

302: second motor

304: The second communication unit

306: the second retractable friction roller

308: second wheel

310: second joining unit

312: Seating area

316: control button

402: fixture

404: spring loaded unit

502: leverage

504: Lever mechanism unit

506: Turnbuckle

508: Attachment unit

509: safety guard

510: brush

702: handle

704: bracket

706: Wheelchair power assist device operating unit assembly, second wheelchair power assist device operating unit assembly

1005: space

[FIG. 1] A block diagram depicting an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 2] depicts a side view of a device attached to a manual wheelchair according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[ FIG. 3 ] Depicts a top perspective view of a device attached to a manual wheelchair according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[ Fig. 4 ] A perspective view depicting an engaging unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[ Fig. 5 ] A perspective view depicting a device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 6] A perspective view depicting a device having a protective guard according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[FIGS. 7A-7B] Depict together a side view of an exemplary wheelchair power assist device assembly.

[FIG. 8] Depicting a side view of an exemplary wheelchair power assist device operating unit assembly in an exemplary retracted configuration.

[ FIG. 9 ] Depicts a top perspective view of an exemplary wheelchair having two illustrative power assist devices each configured to drive one of the two depicted wheelchair main wheels.

[FIG. 10A] depicts a rear perspective view of an exemplary wheelchair having two illustrative power assist devices each configured to drive one of the two depicted wheelchair main wheels, And the wheelchair is in an exemplary deployed configuration.

[FIG. 10B] depicts a rear perspective view of an exemplary wheelchair having two illustrative power assist devices each configured to drive one of the two depicted wheelchair main wheels, And the wheelchair is in an exemplary folded configuration.

While various embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to be limiting. Similarly, the drawings and drawings depict structural or architectural examples or alternative configurations of the present invention which are provided to aid in understanding the features and functionality of various embodiments of the present invention but are not intended to is restrictive. Embodiments and features can be implemented and/or modified in various ways known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a device 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the device 100 includes a joystick 102 , a retractable friction roller 104 , an engaging unit 106 and a power source 108 . The joystick 102 is operatively connected to a communication unit 110 . The joystick 102 is explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 of the present invention.

The communication unit 110 is operatively connected to a motor 112 . Combined with Fig. 2 of the present invention The communication unit 110 is explained in detail. The motor 112 includes a shaft 114 and a rotor 116 . The motor 112 is explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 3 of the present invention. The shaft 114 is shown and explained in detail in connection with FIG. 4 of the present invention.

The retractable friction roller 104 is mounted on a shaft 114 . During operation of the device 100, the retractable friction roller 104 is placed in contact with at least one wheel 206 (shown in Figure 2) of a manual wheelchair 202 (shown in Figure 2). The retractable friction roller 104 is explained in detail with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 of the present invention.

The engagement unit 106 is attached to the wheelchair 202 (shown in FIG. 2 ) to detachably attach the retractable friction rollers 104 to the wheels (shown in FIG. 2 ). The bonding unit 106 is explained in detail with reference to FIG. 3 , FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 of the present invention. The power source 108 is operatively connected to the motor 112 and the joystick 102 . The power supply 108 is shown and explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 5 of the present invention. Device 100 converts manual wheelchair 202 into an automatic wheelchair.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of one embodiment of the device 100 attached to a manual wheelchair 202 . Joystick 102 allows the user to control the direction and speed of motor 112 (shown in FIG. 2 ). In one embodiment, the joystick 102 is attached to an arm 204 of a manual wheelchair 202 .

In one embodiment, a user can control the direction, movement and speed of the device 100 using the joystick 102 . More specifically, the movement and speed of the wheels 206 of the wheelchair 202 (shown in FIG. 3 ) are controlled by user commands using the joystick 102 and the communication unit 110 .

In one embodiment, the communication unit 110 (shown in FIG. 3 ) and the second communication unit 304 (shown in FIG. 3 ) are a wired communication unit. Examples of communication unit 110 (shown in FIG. 3 ) and second communication unit 304 (shown in FIG. 3 ) include, but are not limited to, cables, wires, Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC). It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various types of communication units, such as wired or wireless units, may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

In one embodiment, joystick 102 is programmable and can store instructions for controlling the speed and direction of motor 112 (shown in FIG. 1 ). Joystick 102 receives power from power supply 108 (shown in FIG. 1 ). It is known to control electric wheelchairs using a battery operated joystick. Joystick 102 may be a device compatible with commercially available joystick devices designed to be plugged in and disconnected by an end user to reduce the user's effort and expense in replacing the joystick due to wear and tear in normal use . The joystick 102 may be a Bluetooth enabled joystick, which allows remote control of the wheelchair within the communication range of the device using a wireless joystick not physically mounted in the wheelchair. For example, a user in a wheelchair can hold a bluetooth enabled or wireless joystick 102 by hand or in any comfortable or efficient manner to move around without the constraints of a wired or permanently installed joystick. operate their wheelchair. Joystick 102 may include a pop socket ring holder configured to allow a user to effectively manipulate a wireless joystick that is not physically mounted in the wheelchair.

In one embodiment, the power source 108 is a battery. The batteries may be rechargeable, such as but not limited to using common 110V or 220V chargers. Sample batteries that may work with this device include, but are not limited to, primary batteries (non-rechargeable) and batteries such as lithium-ion (Li-ion), nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH), and lead-acid secondary battery.

Figure 3 depicts a top perspective view of the device 100 attached to a manual wheelchair 202 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this configuration, retractable friction roller 104 is mounted on shaft 114 (shown in FIG. 1 ) and rotated by activation of motor 112 .

In one embodiment, the device includes a brushless hub motor having a friction surface. The types of motors that may be used include, but are not limited to, a geared hub motor, a brushed hub motor, a brushless geared hub motor, a brushed geared hub motor, or any other Similar to a motor. Hub motors are extremely common in electric wheelchairs, but are usually used on separate wheels that directly contact the ground.

In the present invention, the retractable friction roller 104 is placed in contact with at least one wheel 206 of the manual wheelchair 202 to turn the wheel 206 and move the wheelchair 202 . The retractable friction roller 104 rotates the wheel 206 by friction. This is one of the unique features of the present invention. While other devices are usually based on motors to move to the ground, power assisted wheelchairs (PAW) use a friction roller for the wheels to generate movement.

In one embodiment, the retractable friction roller 104 is shaped to have a central concave rim housing that is shaped to provide a high friction surface facing the wheels 206 of the wheelchair 202 . The concave center rim shell acts as the hub to create a high percentage of surface contact. In one embodiment, the high friction surface of the retractable friction roller 104 faces the wheelchair wheel 206 and is customizable to fit the curve and/or size of the wheel 206 .

In one embodiment, the material of the high friction surface of the retractable friction roller 104 is rubber or polyurethane. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various types of materials can be envisaged, such as silicone, foam, sandpaper, grit tape, sponge rubber foam, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Wait. In another embodiment, the wheels 206 of the wheelchair 202 are made using a high friction surface and the rollers 104 are made of steel, aluminum or other similar hardened textured surfaces.

Motor 112 is configured to rotate retractable friction roller 104 . The retractable friction roller 104 is mounted on a shaft 114 (shown in FIG. 1 ), and a rotor 116 (shown in FIG. 1 ) rotates the first shaft, thereby causing rotation of the retractable friction roller 104 . In one embodiment, the motor 112 is a brushless direct current (DC) motor with a friction surface. However, those skilled in the art will Obviously, various types of motors can be envisioned without departing from the scope of the present invention, such as geared hub motors, brushed hub motors, brushed geared hub motors, and the like.

In another embodiment, the device 100 further includes a second motor 302 operatively connected to a second communication unit 304 and the power source 108 (shown in FIG. 1 ). Both the communication unit 110 and the second communication unit 304 are operatively connected to the joystick 102 . In another embodiment, the joystick 102 further includes a control button 316 operatively connected to the motor. Control button 316 controls the speed of motor 112 (shown in FIG. 3 ).

The second motor 302 includes a second shaft (not shown) connected to a second rotor (not shown). In this embodiment, the device 100 further includes a second friction roller 306 mounted on a second shaft (not shown). The second roller 306 is placed in contact with a second wheel 308 of the manual wheelchair 202 . Alternatively, the second roller 306 is mounted to the shaft 114 and the motor 112 provides motor torque to rotate the second friction roller 306 and the friction roller 104 (not shown).

Similar to retractable friction roller 104, second retractable friction roller 306 includes a centrally concave rim housing that is configured to provide a high friction surface facing second wheel 308 of wheelchair 202 . The principle and function of the second motor 302 and the second friction roller 306 are the same as the motor 112 and the retractable friction roller 104 as previously described.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the device 100 further includes a second engaging unit 310 attached to the manual wheelchair 202 for detachably attaching the second friction roller 306 and the second wheel 308 of the wheelchair 202 . The engagement unit 106 detachably attaches the friction roller 104 and the wheel 206 . The engagement unit 106 and the second engagement unit 310 are attached behind the seating area 312 of the wheelchair 202 and on top of the wheels 206 and the second wheels 308, respectively.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a joint unit 106 according to another embodiment of the present invention picture. The engagement unit 106 includes a lever 502 operatively connected to a lever mechanism unit 504 , a turnbuckle 506 connected to the lever mechanism unit 504 , and an attachment unit 508 operatively connected to the turnbuckle 506 . Attachment unit 508 includes a clamp (shown in FIG. 5 ) and a spring loaded unit (shown in FIG. 5 ).

The retractable friction roller ( 104 , shown in FIG. 3 ) is operably connected to the turnbuckle 506 . Lever 502 is actuated by the user and produces engagement and disengagement of retractable friction roller ( 104 , shown in FIG. 3 ) with wheel 206 . Thus, the lever 502 enables a manual wheelchair to be converted into an electronic wheelchair and vice versa.

In FIG. 6, another embodiment of the device 100 is shown having a safety shield 509 also referred to herein as a cover, protective cover and/or shield; the safety shield includes a top, an open bottom, a right side, a left side, a proximal side, and a distal side, wherein each of the four sides has a bottom edge, and at least one set of brushes 510 is attached to the bottom edge of the distal side of the safety guard 509, and The safety guard 509 is detachably attached to the wheelchair 202 , such as but not limited to by attachment of the clamp 402 , and wherein the safety guard 509 fits over the friction rollers 104 . Safety guard 509 may be attached to a motor 112 (depicted at least in FIG. 3 ). Safety guard 509 may be attached to a second motor 302 (depicted at least in FIG. 3 ). The safety shield 509 can be attached to a bracket 704 (depicted at least in FIGS. 7A-7B ). In one embodiment, at least one set of brushes 510 is positioned on the bottom edge of the distal side of the fender such that the brushes 510 contact the wheels 206 of the wheelchair 202 . In one embodiment, there are at least two sets of brushes 510 with one set of brushes positioned on the bottom edge of the distal side of the guard and another set of brushes 510 positioned on the bottom edge of the proximal side of the guard. That is, the front and rear of the friction roller 104 are where the friction roller 104 contacts the wheel 206 . It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the placement of the at least one set of brushes 510 can be varied to optimize the interface between the friction roller 104 and the wheel 206. touch. This part is accomplished when at least one set of brushes is used to brush away and/or remove debris from between the friction roller 104 and the wheel 206 .

In one embodiment, cover 509 is a protective barrier that protects the top and four sides of the safety guard and protects friction roller 104 and shaft 114 from environmental exposure, debris and damage. In this regard, the guard 509 can be used by protecting the friction roller 104 and the shaft 114 from the effects of environmental exposure and preventing environmental debris from impacting or entering the internal functional components of the device 100 motor through the contact of the wheel 206 and the friction roller 104. The long-term use and function of the device 100 is improved. Guard plate 509 is also a safety device. More specifically, the guard 509 improves the user's safety by preventing clothing, hair, hands and fingers from being caught, snagged or pinched by the device, especially when the wheel 206 is turned.

7A-7B together depict a side view of an exemplary wheelchair power assist device assembly. In FIG. 7A , an exemplary wheelchair power assist device 100 includes a friction roller 104 mounted to a shaft 114 . In the depicted example, friction roller 104 is attached to a motor 112 (depicted at least in FIG. 3 ), and motor 112 is attached to bracket 704 . Friction roller 104 may be attached to bracket 704 . In the depicted example, bracket 704 is configured to attach motor 112 (at least depicted in FIG. 3 ) to wheelchair 202 (at least depicted in FIG. 3 ) via attachment unit 508 . Bracket 704 may be configured to attach a second motor 302 (depicted at least in FIG. 3 ) to a second friction roller 306 (depicted at least in FIG. 3 ) and second shaft 114 (depicted at least in FIG. 5 ). In order to make the other of the two main wheels of an exemplary wheelchair 202 compatible with a second wheelchair power assist device 100. In the depicted example, the top of bracket 704 is pivotally coupled with the top of attachment unit 508 . The top of bracket 704 may be pivotally coupled to the top of attachment unit 508 by, for example, a pivot pin. In the depicted example, the bottom of bracket 704 is connected to turnbuckle 506 . Pivotally couple the top of the bracket 704 with the top of the attachment unit 508 and connect the bottom of the bracket 704 with the turnbuckle 506, in response to the lever action by the handle 702 Operation of 502 allows the lower portion of bracket 704 to move relative to attachment unit 508 . In the depicted example, moving lever 502 via lever mechanism unit 504 drives turnbuckle 506, thereby raising or lowering friction roller 104 to removably engage friction roller 104 and one wheel 206 via operation of lever mechanism unit 504 (at least depicted in Figure 5). In the example depicted in FIG. 7A , the lower portion of the bracket 704 has been removed from the attachment unit 508 by the operation of the lever 502 .

In FIG. 7B , an exemplary wheelchair power assist device operating unit 706 assembly includes a turnbuckle 506 connected to a bracket 704 and a lever mechanism unit 504 . Lever mechanism unit 504 operably couples lever 502 and handle 702 to bracket 704 via turnbuckle 506, thereby allowing a user to detachably engage a friction roller 104 via operation of lever mechanism unit 504 (at least depicted in FIG. 7A ) and a wheel 206 (depicted at least in FIG. 5 ). In the example depicted in FIG. 7B , the lower portion of bracket 704 has been displaced towards attachment unit 508 by operation of lever 502 .

8 depicts a side view of an exemplary wheelchair power assist device operating unit assembly in an exemplary retracted configuration. In FIG. 8, the exemplary wheelchair power assist device operating unit assembly 706 components are shown retracted so that the operating unit assembly 706 collapses to facilitate space efficient storage and transport. In the depicted example, the exemplary wheelchair power assist device operating unit assembly 706 retracted configuration includes via lever mechanism unit 504 and turnbuckle 506 with bracket 704 (depicted in at least FIGS. 7A and 7B ) and attachment unit 508 coupled lever 502 and handle 702.

9 depicts a top perspective view of an exemplary wheelchair having two illustrative power assist devices each configured to drive one of the two depicted wheelchair's main wheels. In FIG. 9 , exemplary wheelchair 202 includes main wheels 206 and 308 . In the depicted example, wheelchair 202 is configured with wheelchair power assist device operating unit assembly 706 to drive main wheels 206 via friction rollers 104 . In the depicted example, the wheelchair 202 is configured to have a The second wheelchair power assist device operates the unit assembly 706 to drive the second main wheel 308 via the second friction roller 306 . Configuring friction rollers 104 and 306 above respective wheels 206 and 308 and at the rear of wheelchair 202 allows wheelchair power assist devices to be installed and removed from the rear of the wheelchair when the wheelchair 202 seat is occupied by a person sitting in wheelchair 202 . While seated in the wheelchair 202, a person seated therein can removably engage the power assist to the wheels 206 by operating the lever 502 of the wheelchair power assist device operating unit assembly 706 (depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B ). . A person can removably engage power assist to the second wheel 308 while seated in the wheelchair 202 by operating the lever 502 (depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B ) of the second wheelchair power assist device operating unit assembly 706 . When the power assist to the wheels is disengaged by operation of the lever 502, the friction rollers 104 and 306 are disengaged from the wheelchair wheels 206 and 308 respectively, and the wheelchair 202 is manually propelled by the user turning the wheels 206 and 308 by hand. normal operation. A person seated in wheelchair 202 under manual propulsion can engage the power assist to wheels 206 and 308 by operating lever 502 to engage the friction rollers with the wheels.

10A depicts a rear perspective view of an exemplary wheelchair with two illustrative power assist devices each configured to drive one of the two depicted wheelchair main wheels, and the wheelchair In an exemplary deployed configuration. In FIG. 10A , an exemplary wheelchair 202 is a collapsible wheelchair depicted in an illustrative expanded configuration. In the depicted example, friction roller 104 is configured to drive wheel 206 by an exemplary power assist device such as depicted in FIGS. 1-6 , 7A-7B , and 8-9 . In the depicted example, the second friction roller 306 is configured to be driven by an exemplary second power assist device such as depicted in FIGS. 1-6 , 7A-7B and 8-9 Second wheel 308 . In the depicted example, friction rollers 104 and 306 are assembled above respective wheels 206 and 308 and behind wheelchair 202 seating area 312 . In the depicted example, above the respective wheels 206 and 308 and behind the wheelchair 202 seating area 312 The configuration of the friction rollers 104 and 306 allows the collapsible wheelchair 202 to be folded and unfolded while the power assist device remains installed due to the space 1005 left between the power assist devices. Friction rollers 104 and 306 may be positioned over the centers of the respective wheels 206 and 308, between the centers of the respective wheels and the tops of the wheels, or over the wheels as depicted to facilitate leaving room 1005 and allow for The power assist device folds and unfolds the collapsible wheelchair 202 while remaining installed. In the depicted example, space 1005 is also preserved as a result of the power assist device design, which includes separate and distinct power assist devices, each configured to drive one of the wheels 206, 308, and The power assist device assembly does not take up space 1005 . Due to the space 1005 left between the two power assist devices, the wheelchair 202 can be folded while the power assist remains installed or attached to the wheelchair 202 without affecting the folding action of the wheelchair 202, regardless of whether the power assist system is engaged or disengaged, both Each of the power assist devices is configured to drive one of the wheels 206 and 308 .

10B depicts a rear perspective view of an exemplary wheelchair with two illustrative power assist devices each configured to drive one of the two depicted wheelchair main wheels, and the wheelchair In an exemplary folded configuration. In FIG. 10B , exemplary wheelchair 202 is a collapsible wheelchair depicted in an illustrative folded configuration. In the depicted example, friction rollers 104 and 306 are assembled above respective wheels 206 and 308 and behind wheelchair 202 seating area 312 . In the depicted example, the collapsible wheelchair 202 has been folded while the power assist device remains installed. This facilitation may be due to the depicted power assist design, which leaves a space 1005 between the power assist devices and behind the wheelchair 202 seating area 312, and the power assist device components do not take up the space 1005.

Referring to FIG. 1 , in one embodiment of the present invention, the power source 108 is a battery. These batteries can be charged using a common 110V or 220V charger. Examples of batteries include but are not limited to a Primary batteries (non-rechargeable) and secondary batteries such as lithium-ion (Li-ion), nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel-hydrogen (Ni-MH) and lead-acid.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a device 100 according to another embodiment of the invention. Attachment clip 402 and a spring loaded unit 404 engage and disengage retractable friction roller 104 and wheel 206 .

Referring to FIG. 1 , the friction roller 104 is mounted on a shaft 114 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the friction roller 104 has an opening for receiving the shaft 114 . Shaft 114 is a cylindrical elongated rod that passes through the opening to rotate friction roller 104 upon receiving motor torque from rotor (116, shown in FIG. 1 ).

Examples of attachment units 508 are simple mechanical devices such as, but not limited to, springs, screw clamps, mechanical couplings, latches, pole clamps, rail clamps, lights, circular center mounts, mounting brackets, pole clamps, Tube clamps, quick release clamps, rack clamp mounts or handle clamp mounts on the back frame of the wheelchair 202 and provide contact between the friction rollers 104 and wheelchair wheels 206 respectively.

The total weight of the entire device 100 is approximately 20 lbs. The expected speed is adjustable from 0 to 5MPH, the maximum load capacity is up to 260 lbs, and the maximum incline is up to 10 degrees. In one embodiment, the product is classified as a Class 1 device in accordance with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Code of Federal Regulations (FDA) Title 21 Subpart D Subpart D 890.3910 (Section). In another embodiment, device 100 would not require direct FDA approval, but would require a 510(k) clearance.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the second retractable friction roller, second engagement unit and second motor perform exactly the same functions as described in the specification for the retractable friction roller, engagement unit and motor respectively.

In other embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will be able and may Changes are made to: the size and material of the friction rollers; the size and type of motor or battery used; and/or the type of controller or joystick; and the attachments used to secure the device to the manual wheelchair ( Such as but not limited to the size and type of screw clamps). In one embodiment, housings for each of the two units can be added for safety, travel convenience, and appearance. In another embodiment, the device can be used as a power assist for any object that is traditionally conveyed on wheels via manual propulsion, such as a luggage cart.

Some wheelchair power assist device designs may be equipped with sensors and configured to automatically stop the wheelchair in an emergency detected based on information captured by the sensors. For example, an exemplary wheelchair may be configured to determine the speed of the wheelchair relative to the ground based on sensor data, compare the detected speed to a predetermined maximum safe speed, and based on stopping the motor, reducing the speed of the motor, or using Motor reverses to automatically reduce unsafe speed. For example, the speed sensor can be a shaft encoder configured in the wheel. The speed sensor may be a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor that points forward from the wheelchair occupant, in line with the direction the occupant would normally be facing.

Various wheelchair power assist device implementations may include an emergency stop switch configured to permit the user to manually stop the wheelchair in an emergency situation detected by the user. For example, the joystick may be configured with a button adapted to stop the motor to prevent serious injury or damage in an emergency. The switch may be configured as a safety switch that would have to be actively engaged by a user sitting in the chair for the wheelchair to power assist in moving the wheelchair. In some cases, a safety switch may be implemented using a key lock configured to prevent the motor from starting unless the key is present and turned to the start position. The safety switch may be a weight sensor configured in the wheelchair seat to prevent activation of the motor unless a body weight of at least a predetermined threshold weight is detected in the wheelchair seat. Threshold weights can be configured as specific numerical weights, or as weights that can be selected from a range of weights. like When the wheelchair occupant leaves the wheelchair seat, the safety switch can be configured to stop the motor.

Some wheelchair power assist device designs may include one or more handles configured to allow a user to grasp the one or more handles while carrying the device. One or more handles may be rotatably secured using swivels to reduce the effort of the user to balance the load while carrying the device. One or more handles may be configured with a latch mechanism to secure the handle in the wheelchair power assist device when the handle is not in use.

In some wheelchair power assist device implementations, the light may be configured on the front or rear of the device. The light may be a warning light configured to be visible to others not in the wheelchair. These lights may be headlights such as spotlights or floodlights configured to improve the effective vision of a person in a wheelchair. The warning lights can be of various colors and can be configured to flash or flash in various patterns to alert or make the wheelchair visible to other persons. Headlights or spotlights can be configured with a swivel mount that allows the wheelchair occupant to manually direct the light in the direction of interest. In the illustrative example, the light rotation mount direction is adjustable in pan and tilt modes under the control of a motor governed by a joystick.

Various wheelchair power assist device power supply designs may include interchangeable battery replacement systems configured to accommodate batteries of various physical dimensions and electrical connection geometries for devices designed to electrically connect to and power the wheelchair common dimensions.

Possible limitations include the following: if the maximum weight limit is exceeded; the maximum inclination is exceeded; the friction rollers are not properly engaged to the power transmission; operating on wet surfaces due to slipping, operating on ice, sand or oily surfaces; The unit may not work if the battery, motor, or handle assembly is damaged; if the wheels are locked or do not turn freely; or if operated while it is too hot.

In one aspect, a method of converting a manual wheelchair (202) to an electronic wheelchair is disclosed, the method comprising: operably connecting a joystick (102) to a communication unit (110); connecting the communication unit (110 ) is operably connected to a motor (112); a shaft (114) is connected to a rotor (116); the motor (112) is connected to the shaft (114); a retractable friction roller (104) is mounted on the shaft ( 114); the retractable friction roller (104) is configured to have a centrally concave rim housing designed to face and contact a wheel (206) when the friction roller (104) is placed ) to provide a high friction surface; the retractable friction roller (104) is placed to contact the wheel (206) of a manual wheelchair (202); an engagement unit (106) is attached to the wheelchair (202), and the engagement unit is passed through configured to detachably attach the retractable friction roller (104) and the wheel (206); and to operably connect a power source (108) to the motor (112) and joystick (102).

The method may further comprise configuring a safety shield (509) to be detachably attached to the wheelchair (202), wherein when the safety shield (509) is attached to the wheelchair (202), the safety shield (509) covers Close above the retractable friction roller (104).

The method may further comprise attaching at least one set of brushes (510) to the safety guard (509), wherein the at least one set of brushes (510) contacts the wheel (206) when attached to the safety guard (509), and wherein the safety guard The guard (509) includes a top, an open bottom, a right side, a left side, a proximal side, and a distal side, wherein each of the sides has a bottom edge and at least one set of brushes (510) is attached to the bottom edge of the far side of the safety guard (509).

The method may further include configuring the engagement unit (106) to have a lever (502); operably connecting the lever (502) to a lever mechanism unit (504); operably connecting the lever mechanism unit (504) to a a turnbuckle (506); and operably connecting the turnbuckle (506) to an attachment unit (508).

The method may further include configuring the attachment unit (508) to have a spring-loaded unit (404); operably connecting the spring-loaded unit (404) to the retractable friction roller (104); and attaching a clamp (402) to Operatively connected to a spring loaded unit (404).

The method may further include operatively connecting a second motor (302) to a second communication unit (304) and the power source (108), and operatively connecting the second communication unit (304) to the joystick (102) .

The method may further include configuring the joystick (102) to be operably programmable to generate commands for operating the motor (112) and the second motor (302).

The method may further include coupling the second motor (302) to a second shaft (114), and coupling the second shaft (114) to a second rotor (116).

The method may further include mounting a second retractable friction roller (306) on the second shaft (114), and placing the second roller (306) in contact with a second wheel (308) of the manual wheelchair (202) ).

The method may further include configuring the second retractable friction roller (306) to have a centrally concave rim housing designed to provide a second wheel (308) facing the manual wheelchair (202) ) of a high friction surface.

The method may further include attaching the second friction roller (306) to the top of the second wheel (308) behind the seating area (312).

The method may further include attaching a second engagement unit (310) to the manual wheelchair (202), wherein the second engagement unit (310) is configured to detachably attach a second friction roller ( 306) and the second wheel (308).

The method may further include configuring the second engagement unit (310) to have a first Two levers (502); operatively connect the second lever (502) to a second lever mechanism unit (504); operatively connect the second lever mechanism unit (504) to a second turnbuckle (506) ; and operably connecting the second turnbuckle (506) to a second attachment unit (508).

The method may further include configuring the second attachment unit (508) to have a second spring loaded unit (404); operably connecting the second spring loaded unit (404) to the second retractable friction roller (306); And a second clamp (402) is operatively connected to the second spring loaded unit (404).

The method may further include attaching the friction roller (104) to a motor (112), and attaching the motor (112) to a bracket (704), the bracket being operable via a turnbuckle (506) and a lever (502) ground coupled to releasably engage the friction roller (104) and a wheel (206) in response to operation of the lever (502).

The method may further include attaching the friction rollers (104) to the top of the wheels (206) behind the wheelchair (202) seating area (312).

In one aspect, a method of moving a wheelchair (202) is disclosed, the method comprising: configuring a friction roller (104) with one of the wheelchairs (202) based on attaching a friction roller (104) to the wheelchair (202) The wheel (206) is removably engaged; the friction roller (104) is configured to pass through the center of the wheel (206) and behind the wheelchair (202) seating area (312) when engaged with the wheel (206). ) to drive the wheel (206); a motor (112) is configured to rotate the friction roller (104); and based on engaging the friction roller (104) and starting the motor (112) to The wheelchair (202) is moved by turning the wheels (206) by force against the contact surface with the wheels (206).

The method may further include attaching a second friction roller (306) to the wheelchair (202) with a second motor (302) configured to rotate a second friction roller (306), the second friction roller configured to pass a second wheel (308) over the center and the wheelchair (202) is seated The rear of the area (312) contacts the surface with one of the second wheels (308) to drive the second wheels (308).

The method may further include folding the wheelchair (202) while the friction roller (104) remains attached to the wheelchair (202) and the second friction roller (306) remains attached to the wheelchair (202).

The method may further include disengaging the friction rollers (104) by holding a user seated in the wheelchair (202) seating area (312).

From the foregoing description it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications shall be deemed to be included in the following claims unless the claims expressly state otherwise by its language.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, terms and phrases used in this document and variations thereof should be construed open-ended as opposed to restrictive. As an example of the foregoing: the term "including" should be understood to mean "including but not limited to" or the like; the term "example" is used to provide illustrative examples of the items discussed, rather than exhaustive or A restrictive list; the term "a or an" should be understood to mean "at least one", "one or more" or the like; and terms such as "known", "traditional", "conventional", " Adjectives of "standard", "known" and terms of similar import should not be construed to limit the items described to a given period of time or to items available as of a given time, but should be understood to cover Known, traditional, conventional or standard technology available or known at any time.

Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be obvious or known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies include those that would be obvious to those skilled in the art now or at any time in the future. readily available or known technology. In addition, use of the plural may also refer to the singular, including but not limited to when the term refers to one or more of particular items; likewise, use of the singular may include the plural unless the context dictates otherwise.

In some cases, the presence of widening words and phrases such as "one or more", "at least", "but not limited to" or other similar phrases should not be understood to mean that such widening phrases may not exist In some cases a narrower condition is desired or required. Additionally, the various implementations set forth herein are described in terms of illustrative block diagrams, flowcharts, and other illustrations. As will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the described implementations and their various alternatives can be practiced without limitation to the described examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying descriptions should not be considered as requiring a particular architecture or configuration.

While the invention has been described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of an individual embodiment are not limited in their applicability to The specific embodiment with which it is described, but can be applied to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention alone or in various combinations, whether or not such embodiments are described, and whether these features are Presented as part of the described embodiments. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

100: device

102: Joystick

104: retractable friction roller

106: Joining unit

108: power supply

110: Communication unit

112: motor

114: shaft

116: rotor

Claims (20)

A method of converting a manual wheelchair into an electric wheelchair, the method comprising the steps of: operably connecting a joystick to a communication unit; operably connecting the communication unit to a motor; connecting a shaft to a rotor; connecting the motor to the shaft; installing a retractable friction roller on the shaft; The retractable friction roller is configured with a central concave rim housing designed to provide a high friction surface when the retractable friction roller is placed facing and in contact with a wheel ; placing the retractable friction roller in contact with the wheel of the manual wheelchair; attaching to the manual wheelchair an engagement unit configured to detachably attach the retractable friction roller and the wheel; and A power source is operatively connected to the motor and the joystick. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises configuring a safety guard to be detachably attached to the manual wheelchair, wherein when the safety guard is attached to the manual wheelchair, the safety guard fits above the retractable friction roller. The method of claim 2, wherein the method further comprises attaching at least one set of brushes to the safety guard, wherein the at least one set of brushes contacts the wheel when attached to the safety guard, and wherein the safety guard comprising a top, an open bottom, a right side, a left side, a proximal side and a distal side, wherein each of the sides has a bottom edge, and the at least one set of brushes is attached to The bottom edge of the far side of the safety guard. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises configuring the engaging unit to have a lever; operably connecting the lever to a lever mechanism unit; operably connecting the lever mechanism unit to a turnbuckle; and The turnbuckle is operatively connected to an attachment unit. The method of claim 4, wherein the method further comprises configuring the attachment unit to have a spring-loaded unit; operatively connecting the spring-loaded unit to the retractable friction roller; and operatively connecting a clamp to The spring loaded unit. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises operatively connecting a second motor to a second communication unit and the power supply, and operatively connecting the second communication unit to the joystick. The method of claim 6, wherein the method further comprises configuring the joystick to be operatively programmable to generate commands for operating the motor and the second motor. The method of claim 6, wherein the method further comprises connecting the second motor to a second shaft, and connecting the second shaft to a second rotor. The method of claim 8, wherein the method further comprises mounting a second retractable friction roller on the second shaft, and placing the second retractable friction roller in contact with a second wheel of the manual wheelchair . The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises configuring the second retractable friction roller to have a centrally concave rim housing, the centrally concave rim housing of the second retractable friction roller is designed To provide a high friction surface facing the second wheel of the manual wheelchair. The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises attaching the second retractable friction roller to a top of the second wheel behind a seating area. The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises attaching a second engagement unit to the manual wheelchair, wherein the second engagement unit is configured to detachably attach the second retractable joint of the manual wheelchair friction roller and the second wheel. The method of claim 12, wherein the method further comprises configuring the second engagement unit to have a second lever; operably connecting the second lever to a second lever mechanism unit; operatively connected to a second turnbuckle; and operatively connected to a second turnbuckle to a second attachment unit. The method of claim 13, wherein the method further comprises configuring the second attachment unit with a second spring-loaded unit; operatively connecting the second spring-loaded unit to the second retractable friction roller; and A second clamp is operatively connected to the second spring loaded unit. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises attaching the retractable friction roller to the motor and attaching the motor to a bracket operatively coupled to a lever via a turnbuckle in response to Operation of the lever removably engages the retractable friction roller and the wheel. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises attaching the retractable friction roller to the top of one of the wheels behind the wheelchair seating area. A method of moving a wheelchair, comprising the steps of: configuring a friction roller to detachably engage a wheel of the wheelchair based on attaching the friction roller to the wheelchair; the friction roller is configured to drive the wheel by contacting a surface of the wheel over the center of the wheel and behind the wheelchair seating area when engaged with the wheel; configuring a motor to rotate the friction roller; and The wheelchair is moved based on engaging the friction roller and activating the motor to turn the wheel by the force of the friction roller against the contact surface with the wheel. The method of claim 17, wherein the method further includes configuring a second motor to rotate a second friction roller based on attaching a second friction roller to the wheelchair, the second friction roller being configured by The second wheel is driven by a contact surface with the second wheel above the center of the second wheel and behind the wheelchair seating area. The method of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises folding the wheelchair while the friction roller remains attached to the wheelchair and the second friction roller remains attached to the wheelchair. The method of claim 17, wherein the method further comprises disengaging the friction roller by maintaining a user sitting in the wheelchair seating area.

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