Enhanced Mobility Device Seat Assembly

Publication ID: 24-11857473_0006_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Mobility Device Seat Assembly,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857473_0006_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857473_0006_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. 11,857,473.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

An advanced mobility device seat assembly featuring integrated sensors, adjustable components, and ergonomic support systems to improve user comfort, stability, and safety.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a mobility device seat with a coupling assembly for attaching a user controller to an armrest. However, the original design had limitations in terms of stability, comfort, and safety. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing innovative features such as load sensors, adjustable backrests, height-adjustable footrests, and automatic tie-down mechanisms.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced mobility device seat assembly comprises a seatpan mounting bracket with an integrated load sensor to monitor and adjust the seat's center of gravity for improved stability. The backrest shell is adjustable via a rotating knob with a mechanical stop to prevent over-rotation. A height-adjustable footrest features an integrated pressure sensor to detect and respond to user comfort preferences. Additionally, a tie-down mechanism with an automatic tensioning feature ensures a snug and safe fit when securing the mobility device seat to an automobile seat belt. The seat also incorporates an integrated ergonomic support system, including adjustable armrest structures and a lumbar support feature to promote user comfort and reduce fatigue.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces novel features that improve the original design, including load sensors, adjustable backrests, height-adjustable footrests, and automatic tie-down mechanisms. These innovations provide a non-obvious solution to the limitations of the original patent, enhancing user comfort, stability, and safety.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in sensor types, adjustable component designs, and ergonomic support systems. For example, the load sensor could be replaced with a gyroscopic sensor or an accelerometer. The backrest angle adjust knob could be replaced with a motorized system or a manual lever. The integrated ergonomic support system could be modified to accommodate different user preferences or mobility requirements.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced mobility device seat assembly has significant commercial potential in the healthcare, rehabilitation, and mobility industries. The innovative features address key concerns for users with mobility impairments, providing a safer, more comfortable, and more efficient mobility experience. The market for mobility devices is growing rapidly, driven by an aging population and increasing awareness of accessibility needs.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61G5/1091
A A61 A61G5/1043
A A61 A61G5/1056
A A61 A61G5/04
A A61 A61G5/122
A A61 A61G5/125
A A61 A61G5/128

Field of Art

Mobility assistive devices, specifically wheelchair and seating systems with ergonomic and adaptive technologies focused on user comfort, stability, and device integration

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or rehabilitation technology specialist with expertise in assistive device design, mechanical engineering, human factors, and adaptive mobility solutions, typically holding a bachelor's or master's degree with 3-5 years of professional experience

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the disclosed seat assembly variations represent predictable engineering solutions to known limitations in mobility device design. The incremental improvements in sensor integration, adjustability, and ergonomic support are logical extensions of existing mobility device technologies. The technical variations demonstrate standard problem-solving approaches within the field of assistive device engineering.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Coupling assembly for user controller and armrest
PTD Variation
Integrated ergonomic support system with adjustable armrest structures
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would find it obvious to expand existing armrest coupling mechanisms to include more sophisticated ergonomic adjustments as a predictable design enhancement
Source Patent Element
Mobility device seat with integrated chassis components
PTD Variation
Seatpan mounting bracket with integrated load sensor for center of gravity monitoring
Obviousness Reasoning
Incorporating sensor technology to improve device stability represents a known technique in mobility device engineering with foreseeable and beneficial results
Source Patent Element
Removable seat configuration
PTD Variation
Height-adjustable footrest with integrated pressure sensor for user comfort detection
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding user-adaptive sensors to adjustable components is a standard approach to improving assistive device personalization and functionality
Source Patent Element
User controller mount with ambidextrous parts
PTD Variation
Backrest shell with rotational angle adjustment and mechanical stop
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing mechanical adjustment mechanisms with safety limits is a predictable design solution within mobility device engineering
Source Patent Element
Mobility device seat integration
PTD Variation
Automatic tie-down mechanism for securing seat to automobile seat belt
Obviousness Reasoning
Developing standardized safety attachment systems represents an obvious improvement using known mechanical engineering principles
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857473, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the technical variations disclosed herein to be obvious modifications to existing mobility device seat technologies. The incremental improvements in sensor integration, adjustability, and ergonomic support represent predictable engineering solutions that would be readily conceived by a skilled practitioner without requiring inventive insight.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,473
TitleMobility device seat
Assignee(s)DEKA Products Limited Parternship