Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Intelligent Wheelchair Suspension Systems

Publication ID: 24-11857470_0008_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Synergistic Combinations

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Intelligent Wheelchair Suspension Systems,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857470_0008_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857470_0008_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,470.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

An innovative wheelchair suspension system that integrates advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and new materials to provide enhanced ride quality, safety, and personalized user experience.

Background and Problem Solved

Wheelchairs and scooters face limitations in traversing obstacles and providing independence to users. The original patent addressed this issue with a suspension system, but the new inventive concept takes it a step further by incorporating synergistic combinations of distinct technologies to create a more powerful and adaptive system.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept combines the patented wheelchair suspension with AI-powered terrain detection, IoT-enabled real-time monitoring, blockchain-based secure data storage, advanced materials, and machine learning algorithms. This integration enables the system to adjust suspension stiffness in response to terrain changes, optimize suspension settings for individual users, and provide predictive maintenance. The system also incorporates IoT sensors to monitor and adapt to changing environmental conditions, ensuring a smoother ride and enhanced user experience.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces a synergistic combination of distinct technologies, providing a non-obvious solution that goes beyond the original patent's suspension system. The integration of AI, IoT, blockchain, and advanced materials creates a new, more powerful system that addresses the limitations of traditional wheelchair suspension systems.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include variations in the AI algorithm used for terrain detection, different types of advanced materials employed, or the integration of additional sensors and data sources to further enhance the system's adaptability. Other variations may include the use of different blockchain protocols or the incorporation of additional features, such as biometric authentication or personalized health monitoring.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The intelligent wheelchair suspension system has significant commercial potential in the healthcare and mobility industries, with potential applications in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and private residences. The system's enhanced ride quality, safety, and personalized user experience make it an attractive solution for users seeking independence and comfort.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
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

Field of Art

Mobility assistive devices, specifically wheelchair design and suspension systems, encompassing mechanical engineering, biomechanical design, and assistive technology with a focus on adaptive mobility solutions

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer or assistive technology specialist with expertise in wheelchair design, suspension mechanisms, adaptive technologies, and experience integrating sensors and control systems into mobility devices

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and advanced materials into existing wheelchair suspension systems represents a predictable evolution of mobility assistive technologies. The fundamental suspension principles from the source patent provide a clear technical foundation for incorporating intelligent monitoring and adaptive control systems. These technological extensions address known limitations in wheelchair performance by enabling real-time terrain adaptation and personalized user experiences.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Wheelchair suspension system with drive assemblies and pivot mechanisms
PTD Variation
AI-powered terrain detection integrated with suspension stiffness adjustment
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would recognize that adding sensor-based terrain detection to an existing suspension system is a known technique for improving mobility device performance, representing a predictable application of control system technologies
Source Patent Element
Wheelchair frame and drive assemblies
PTD Variation
IoT-enabled real-time monitoring of suspension performance and environmental conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating sensor networks and data monitoring into mobility devices is a standard design approach for enhancing device functionality and user experience, representing an obvious technological extension
Source Patent Element
Mechanical suspension components
PTD Variation
Advanced materials like graphene for enhanced suspension durability and responsiveness
Obviousness Reasoning
Material science improvements are a routine approach to enhancing mechanical system performance, and a PHOSITA would find the substitution of advanced materials a predictable design optimization
Source Patent Element
Wheelchair mechanical suspension system
PTD Variation
Machine learning algorithms for personalizing suspension settings based on user characteristics
Obviousness Reasoning
Adaptive control systems that customize device performance represent a known technique in assistive technologies, with predictable benefits in user comfort and functionality
Source Patent Element
Wheelchair mechanical components
PTD Variation
Blockchain-based secure user authentication and preference storage
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing secure authentication and personalization technologies is a standard approach in modern adaptive devices, representing an obvious technological integration
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857470 and the disclosed technological variations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the proposed wheelchair suspension system extensions obvious and non-inventive. The combination of known technologies such as AI, IoT, advanced materials, and adaptive control systems represents a predictable evolution of existing wheelchair suspension design principles, thereby rendering potential claims to such variations unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,470
TitleWheelchair suspension
Assignee(s)INVACARE CORPORATION