Enhanced Wheelchair Suspension for Improved Obstacle Traversal and Ride Quality
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An advanced wheelchair suspension system that adapts to terrain and vibrations in real-time, ensuring improved obstacle traversal, ride quality, and stability for users.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent for wheelchair suspension addresses the limitation of traversing obstacles, but it does not provide a comprehensive solution for adapting to varying terrain and vibrations. The new inventive concept solves this problem by introducing adaptive stiffness, real-time vibration detection, and gyroscopic balance control, thereby enhancing the overall user experience.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced wheelchair suspension system comprises a suspension mounting with adaptive stiffness, which adjusts in real-time based on terrain data received from sensors. The system also features a mechanical linkage connecting the front and rear anti-tip wheels, amplifying the movement of the front anti-tip wheel to improve obstacle traversal. Additionally, the system includes a damping coefficient that is adjustable based on the speed of the wheelchair, ensuring optimal ride quality. Furthermore, the system incorporates a gyroscopic sensor that detects changes in the wheelchair's orientation and adjusts the suspension system to maintain balance.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features such as adaptive stiffness, real-time vibration detection, and gyroscopic balance control, which are not present in the original patent. These innovations provide a significant improvement over the existing technology, enabling wheelchair users to navigate obstacles and uneven terrain with greater ease and confidence.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of advanced materials, such as carbon fiber or titanium, to reduce the weight and increase the durability of the suspension system. Another variation could involve integrating the suspension system with other wheelchair components, such as the seat or frame, to create a more holistic solution.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced wheelchair suspension system has significant commercial potential in the healthcare and mobility industries, particularly among manufacturers of wheelchairs and scooters. The target market includes individuals with mobility impairments, as well as caregivers and healthcare professionals seeking to improve the quality of life for their patients and clients.
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 mechanical design with knowledge of suspension kinematics, sensor integration, and assistive technology engineering
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer with 3-5 years experience in mobility device design, familiar with suspension mechanisms, sensor technologies, and adaptive mechanical systems, capable of understanding complex mechanical interactions and incremental technological improvements
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering extensions of the source patent's wheelchair suspension framework, utilizing standard sensor integration techniques, known mechanical linkage principles, and established adaptive control methodologies to incrementally improve wheelchair performance and user experience.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,470 |
|---|---|
| Title | Wheelchair suspension |
| Assignee(s) | INVACARE CORPORATION |