Next-Generation Wheelchair System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A futuristic wheelchair system that integrates AI-driven stability control, autonomous navigation, and modular design to revolutionize mobility and accessibility for users with disabilities.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent described a wheelchair with a seat back that can be fixed to a vehicle body structure. However, this design has limitations in terms of user comfort, safety, and overall mobility. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a modular, detachable seat unit, a smart body frame with integrated sensors, and a self-balancing wheel assembly with autonomous navigation capabilities.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The next-generation wheelchair system comprises a modular, detachable seat unit that can be easily customized to individual user preferences. The smart body frame integrates sensors and AI-driven stability control to ensure optimal balance and maneuverability. The self-balancing wheel assembly features autonomous navigation capabilities, allowing users to move freely and safely in various environments. Additionally, the system can seamlessly integrate with vehicles, enabling users to transition effortlessly between wheelchair and vehicle modes. The morphing seat back adapts to different user preferences, providing unparalleled comfort and support. The networked wheelchair ecosystem enables secure, peer-to-peer communication and AI-driven predictive maintenance, ensuring optimal system performance and user safety.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The present inventive concept introduces a paradigm shift in wheelchair design, integrating AI-driven technology, autonomous navigation, and modular design to create a futuristic mobility solution. The novel combination of a smart body frame, self-balancing wheel assembly, and morphing seat back provides a significant improvement over the original patent, addressing the limitations of traditional wheelchairs and enhancing user experience.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the modular seat unit design, different sensor configurations for the smart body frame, or alternative energy harvesting and storage solutions for the self-sustaining, solar-powered wheelchair. Additionally, the networked wheelchair ecosystem could be expanded to include integration with smart home systems or wearable devices.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The next-generation wheelchair system has significant commercial potential in the mobility and accessibility markets, targeting users with disabilities, elderly individuals, and healthcare providers. The system's advanced features and AI-driven technology position it for widespread adoption in various industries, including healthcare, transportation, and smart cities.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61G5/1067 |
| A | A61 | A61G3/02 |
| A | A61 | A61G3/0808 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Mobility assistive devices, specifically wheelchair design and vehicle integration technologies, requiring expertise in mechanical engineering, biomechanics, and adaptive transportation systems
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer with 5-7 years experience in assistive device design, familiar with wheelchair ergonomics, vehicle adaptation technologies, and emerging mobility solutions
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's AI-driven and modular wheelchair design represents predictable technological extensions of the source patent's fundamental wheelchair integration concepts. The source patent's focus on wheelchair-vehicle interaction provides a clear technical foundation for incorporating advanced sensing, autonomous navigation, and adaptive interfaces. These variations represent logical incremental improvements using well-established engineering techniques in mobility assistive technologies.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,472 |
|---|---|
| Title | Wheelchair |
| Assignee(s) | MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION |