Enhanced Wheelchair Suspension System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved wheelchair suspension system that enhances ride comfort, stability, and adaptability, addressing the limitations of the original patent.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent's wheelchair suspension system, while providing a degree of independence, is limited by its inability to efficiently traverse obstacles and adapt to varying terrain types, resulting in reduced ride comfort and stability. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing shock-absorbing materials, adjustability, self-leveling mechanisms, load-sensing technology, and modular design.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced wheelchair suspension system comprises a frame, a seat, at least one front anti-tip wheel, and a suspension mounting each of the drive assemblies to the frame. The suspension incorporates a shock-absorbing material to reduce vibrations during traversal of obstacles, allowing for a smoother ride. Additionally, the suspension is adjustable to accommodate different terrain types, ensuring optimal performance in various environments. A self-leveling mechanism maintains a consistent ride height, while load-sensing technology dynamically adjusts stiffness in response to changing loads. The modular design enables easy maintenance and replacement of components, reducing downtime and increasing overall efficiency.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept's introduction of shock-absorbing materials, adjustability, self-leveling mechanisms, load-sensing technology, and modular design provides a non-obvious and novel solution to the original patent's limitations, offering a significant improvement in ride comfort, stability, and adaptability.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the enhanced wheelchair suspension system could include the use of different shock-absorbing materials, adjustable suspension geometries, or varying self-leveling mechanisms. Additionally, the load-sensing technology could be integrated with other systems, such as terrain-sensing or obstacle-detection systems, to further enhance the suspension's adaptability.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced wheelchair suspension system has significant commercial potential in the healthcare and mobility industries, offering improved ride comfort, stability, and adaptability for wheelchair users. The system's modular design and ease of maintenance also make it an attractive solution for manufacturers and healthcare providers.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61G5/10 |
| A | A61 | A61G5/04 |
| A | A61 | A61G5/042 |
| A | A61 | A61G5/043 |
| A | A61 | A61G5/06 |
| A | A61 | A61G5/1078 |
| A | A61 | A61G5/1089 |
| B | B60 | B60G2300/24 |
| Y | Y10 | Y10S180/907 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Mobility Assistive Devices, specifically wheelchair suspension systems, requiring expertise in mechanical engineering, biomechanics, and adaptive transportation technologies with knowledge of suspension design, materials science, and ergonomic adaptation
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer with 3-5 years experience in mobility device design, familiar with suspension mechanisms, materials selection, load transfer principles, and adaptive engineering solutions for assistive technologies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the disclosed suspension variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the existing wheelchair suspension patent, utilizing standard design optimization techniques and known materials science principles to enhance ride quality and adaptability through incremental modifications to existing suspension architectures.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,470 |
|---|---|
| Title | Wheelchair suspension |
| Assignee(s) | INVACARE CORPORATION |