Power driven wheelchair

US8646551B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• INVACARE CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• John Mattes · Columbia Station, US
• Darryl Peters · Stewartsville, US
• Bruce A. Jaenke · Parma, US
• Ricky J. McCullar · North Olmsted, US
• Gary E. Chopcinski · North Ridgeville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 5, 2012
• Grant date: Feb 11, 2014
• Expiry date: Mar 5, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T10/72
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A power driven wheelchair and a method for operating same are provided. In one embodiment, the power driven wheelchair includes a system controller with a main controller, a storage device, and at least one input device, a motor assembly, and a common bus. The motor assembly may include a drive motor, a local controller, and a sensor sensing a condition associated with the drive motor and in communication with the local controller. In another embodiment, the power driven wheelchair includes the system controller, an actuator assembly, and the common bus. The actuator assembly may include an actuator mechanism, a local controller, and a sensor sensing a condition associated with the actuator mechanism and in communication with the local controller. Multiple embodiments of the method are related to controlling various arrangements of motor assemblies or actuator assemblies.