Assistive driving system for a wheelchair
US10322043B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 18, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61G2203/36
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The presently disclosure describes a system for a providing an assistive driving force to a wheelchair. The system comprises a power assist system which includes a motion sensing system that is configured to detect the motion of the power assist system, and hence of the wheelchair, and a power assist drive system that is configured to provide an assistive drive force. The system also comprises a sensor, such as may be embedded in a wearable wristband, that is configured to detect the motion of a user's hand and that is in communication with the power assist system. The system may be configured to determine whether the wheelchair is being manually pushed based at least in part on the user motion, and to activate an assistive drive force in response to a manual push. The system may also be configured to determine whether the wheelchair is being manually braked based at least in part on the user motion, and to deactivate an assistive drive force in response to a manual brake.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.