The invention relates generally to a personal vehicle and more particularly relates to an improved personal vehicle with a central drive wheel and enhanced maneuverability on various types of terrain.
Due to the aging baby-boom generation and improvements in healthcare, the average age of the US population is increasing and is projected to continue to increase for decades. The demand for assistive technologies such as electric powered wheelchairs (“EPW” or “EPWs”) and scooters have kept close pace with the increasing elderly population, as demonstrated by the sharp increases in Medicare spending on these devices. Scooter and EPW use increased by an average of 25% between the years 2002 and 2003.
Currently, the devices available fall into two basic categories: (1) high-cost, highly maneuverable EPWs ($5000-$30,000) and (3) lower-cost scooters ($2000-$3000), technically known as power operated vehicles (“POV” or “POVs”). The POVs have less maneuverability and stability than the EPWs. POVs provide functional mobility in well-built, open spaces—such as shopping malls, paved roads and sidewalks. The POVs, however, provide little to no mobility in the home or over rough terrain. While EPWs can provide functional mobility in all locations, insurance companies typically will only reimburse the high cost of these devices if an individual cannot safely ambulate in their home. Further, one of the efforts to curb increasing healthcare costs has been to make EPW eligibility criteria more stringent, which has also restricted many individuals from receiving them.
Between 1969 and 1995, the use of wheelchairs has quadrupled (see
A low cost, highly functional mobility vehicle, as provided in the present invention, addresses the swelling growth of medical expenditures in the US. Besides curbing medical expenditures, the large numbers of uninsured or underinsured individuals need to be able to obtain this technology to more fully participate in society. The incidence of this unmet need is startling. In 1990, 1 in 5 (or 20%) of individuals who needed assistive technologies could not procure such devices because of the high price and their lack of sufficient insurance. If the prices of these vehicles can be reduced, more people will be able to access these technologies.
Apart from the substantial need for low-cost mobility devices in the US, there is an enormous need for mobility devices in lower income countries where cost is the most important factor in determining whether a technology can be adopted. As the economies of these low income countries expand, as is occurring in India and China, powered mobility vehicles may soon be an option to allow older individuals or those with disabilities to become more integrated into society. However, the technology must be highly functional and low-cost, as is the present invention. Cost, beyond any other factor, such as maneuverability, comfort, fit, etc., defines the size of the market for mobility devices, as the actual need for the devices are overwhelming.
There are both technical and cost trade-offs for users when they are choosing or being prescribed either a POV (
Adding to these structurally-related stability issues are the differences in the way the POVs and EPWs maneuver (see
Apart from stability, maneuverability is a second critical factor currently affecting POVs and EPWs that impacts the functionality of each device. As discussed above, the structural design of the POVs requires them to make large sweeping turns (see
A third critical factor for both the consumer and health insurers is the cost of the vehicle. While stability and maneuverability of POVs is lower compared to EPWs, POVs cost significantly less.
What is critically needed is a new personal vehicle which meets the needs of these individuals with disabilities or who otherwise have a mobility impairment (e.g., from advanced age), but is also low-cost, thus helping to curb rising healthcare costs. The present invention provides a low cost personal vehicle which performs similarly to an EPW, but is priced similarly to a POV.
An object of the present invention is to provide a Hybrid Power Operated Vehicle or ‘HyPoV’ that is produced at a low cost.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a HyPoV that provides functional mobility to users and meets the desires of the target population.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a HyPoV that is lightweight.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a HyPoV with an optional drum-cable steering system.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a HyPoV with a boat-style, tiller or optional handlebar, steering system.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a HyPoV with a leaf-spring, or torsion-spring suspension system.
Yet another object is to provide a HyPoV with a lockable arm-rest for torso readjustment by the user.
Yet another object is to provide a HyPoV with a controller housing location that will allow for shrouding the frame to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Yet another object is to provide a HyPoV with an optional foot-rest that can be parsed for separate left and right foot user adjustment.
Yet another object is to provide a HyPoV with an optional tilting seat.
Yet another object is to provide a HyPoV with an optional power steering system.
Therefore, what is provided in one embodiment is a personal vehicle or HyPoV comprising an independent suspension for each caster wheel, which is linked through a lever system to the drive wheel, thereby increasing traction/maneuverability, a hub-motor style center drive wheel, lowering costs and complexity compared to EPWs and POVs; a manual steering tiller, requiring a less sophisticated (which can be upgraded to power steering), and lower cost controller; a short wheelbase and the ability for the device to turn around in its own footprint.
Specifically, in one embodiment, the personal vehicle or HyPoV comprises a frame having a top and bottom side, two large non-drive wheels positioned at one end of the frame, wherein these two large wheels are connected to each other by an axle. Further provided are a pivot connection piece attached near a midpoint of the axle between the two large wheels, an elongated center swing-arm attached to the pivot connection piece at a first end and to a front portion of the frame at a second end, a drive wheel mounted in a fork, where the drive wheel is rigidly attached to the elongated center swing arm. The drive wheel comprises a hub-motor to provide the sole power to the personal vehicle. Two suspension links extend outwardly from the second end of the center swing arm. Two caster wheels are positioned in two wheel forks, wherein the wheel forks are rotatably attached to the suspension links, and, whereby the personal vehicle has improved maneuverability on rough terrain and when encountering obstacles.
Also included in the personal vehicle or HyPoV is a braking system for one or more of: the drive wheel, the large non-drive wheels and the caster wheels; a seat disposed on the top of the frame; a steering system; a steering tiller mounted on the seat; at least one battery; and a rotatable joint attached to an end of each suspension link. The rotatable joint permits each caster wheel to rotate 360 degrees.
In another embodiment, the personal vehicle of the present invention comprises a frame having a top and bottom side, two large non-drive wheels positioned at one end of the frame, wherein the two large wheels are connected to each other by an axle, a pivot connection piece attached to the axle, an elongated center swing arm having a slot defined therein attached to the pivot connection piece at a first end and to a front portion of the frame at a second end, wherein a channel is further defined within the center swing arm.
The personal vehicle further comprises a drive wheel mounted in a fork, the fork having a bearing and a shaft mounted thereto at a portion furthest from the drive wheel, wherein the shaft engages the slot and the bearing engages the channel, two suspension links extending outwardly from the second end of the center swing arm, a rotatable joint attached to the end of each suspension link, two caster wheels positioned in two wheel forks, wherein the wheel forks are rotatably attached to the rotatable joint to permit each caster wheel to rotate 360 degrees, and whereby the personal vehicle has improved maneuverability on rough terrain and when encountering obstacles.
In yet another embodiment, the personal vehicle has a steering mechanism comprising a cylindrical upper steering drum directly connected to a steering handle operated by a user, a cylindrical lower steering drum attached to a drive motor shaft of the center drive wheel, cables wrapped around the upper cylindrical drum so that the upper cylindrical drum and the handlebars rotate in unison, and, cables wrapped around the lower cylindrical drum causing it and the center drive wheel to turn in unison.
One embodiment of the steering mechanism can include an upper steering drum connected to a user-operated steering handle, wherein the upper steering drum has a gear ratio and an outer diameter; a lower steering drum attached to a drive motor in a drive wheel of the personal vehicle, wherein the lower steering drum has a gear ratio and an outer diameter; one or more cables operably connecting the upper steering drum to the lower steering drum such that rotation of the steering handle turns the drive wheel a predetermined angular displacement; wherein the upper steering drum and the lower steering drum are modules for interchangeability of one or both drums to set a variable gear ratio for the steering mechanism to accommodate variations in user strength. The upper steering drum and the lower steering drum can be both substantially cylindrically shaped. The steering mechanism can include an upper steering drum resilient member, such as a bushing, for a center shaft to reduce turning stiffness. The steering mechanism can include the upper and lower steering drums are housed in, for example, a nylon cap having a plurality of cable through holes. Though a cap is disclosure throughout this application as being made of nylon, it is contemplated that the invention not be limited to a nylon cap. The cap can be made of any durable, highly resilient material with excellent abrasion resistance.
One embodiment of the upper steering drum can include a top disk, a middle disk, and a bottom disk, wherein each disk having an outer circumferential diameter; a first circular washer disposed between the top disk and the middle disk, wherein the first circular washer includes (i) an outer circumferential diameter less than the outer circumferential diameters of the top disk and the middle disk, and (ii) an outer surface of the outer circumferential diameter capable of being a contact surface for one of the one or more cables; a second circular washer disposed between the middle disk and the bottom disk, wherein the second circular washer includes (i) an outer circumferential diameter less than the outer circumferential diameters of the middle disk and the bottom disk, and (ii) an outer surface of the outer circumferential diameter capable of being a contact surface for one of the one or more cables; wherein the gear ratio of the upper steering drum is determined by the outer circumferential diameters of the first and the second circular washers. The outer circumferential diameters of the top disk, the middle disk, and the bottom disk can be the same or different diameters.
One embodiment of the lower steering drum includes a top disk, a middle disk, and a bottom disk, wherein each disk having an outer circumferential diameter; a first circular washer disposed between the top disk and the middle disk, wherein the first circular washer includes (i) an outer circumferential diameter less than the outer circumferential diameters of the top disk and the middle disk, and (ii) an outer surface of the outer circumferential diameter capable of being a contact surface for one of the one or more cables; a second circular washer disposed between the middle disk and the bottom disk, wherein the second circular washer includes (i) an outer circumferential diameter less than the outer circumferential diameters of the middle disk and the bottom disk, and (ii) an outer surface of the outer circumferential diameter capable of being a contact surface for one of the one or more cables; wherein the gear ratio of the lower steering drum is determined by the outer circumferential diameters of the first and the second circular washers. The outer circumferential diameters of the top disk, the middle disk, and the bottom disk are the same or different diameters.
One embodiment of the steering mechanism can include a ratio between angular displacements of the upper steering drum to the lower steering drum determined by a ratio of the outer diameters of the upper steering drum to the lower steering drum, and a torque ratio determined by an inverse of the angular displacement ratio.
In yet another embodiment, the personal vehicle or HyPoV of this invention includes a leaf-spring or torsion-spring suspension for increased rigidity, fewer components and reduced manufacturing costs. Yet another embodiment provides a modified tiller for better balance that users with less muscle control or reduced functionality may be able to operate by pushing and/or pulling on a handlebar for easier turning.
The invention will now be described in detail in relation to several embodiments and the implementations thereof which are exemplary in nature and descriptively specific as disclosed. As is customary, it will be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. The invention encompasses such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated apparatuses and methods, and such further applications of the principles of the invention illustrated herein, as would normally occur to persons skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
And now referring generally to
The seat 12 is attached to the top 16 of frame 14. More specifically, seat 12 attaches to the two side rails 22 of frame 14 via multiple sliding seat perches 24; at least one seat perch 24 on each frame side rail 22 (as better seen in accompanying
In this embodiment of HyPoV, a solid axle 26 joins two large freely spinning wheels 28 via wheel axle brackets 30 (better seen in
A pivot connection piece 32 is attached near the midpoint M of the rear solid axle 26 and pivots about the axle between the large wheels 28. An elongated center swing arm 34 is then rigidly attached to the pivot connection piece 32 at one end, and to a midpoint of the front rail 20 on the other end. This swing-arm system houses the motor/brake/turning system, generally 40 in
Referring now to
The center swing-arm 34 can be shortened and the spring perches formed with a short segment of I-beam (not shown) attached to an end of the swing-arm 34. Using this I-beam segment, the forces transferred between the swing-arm and suspension links are located close to the centerline of the swing-arm, which reduces the amount of lever-arm forces about the swing arm. With a smaller lever-arm, the torques about the longitudinal-axis of the swing-arm would also be reduced, effectively stiffening the drive-train of the device, making it more responsive and maneuverable.
Referring now to
The alternative slot and channel can be provided so that the maneuverability of the HyPoV can be adjusted or tuned. The drive wheel 42 can optionally be linked to an actuator in the slot and channel to move it forward and back within the slot. This feature allows, for example, an indoor mode (with a very tight turning radius but less stable at high speeds) and an outdoor mode (with a less tight turning radius, but stable at high speeds).
In the first embodiment, at
At this intersection, two shackles 52 are provided which support each suspension link 50. Each suspension link 50 continues to extend past each shackle 52 to a rotatable joint 54. Needle bearings or bushings are usually used in the rotating points on the suspension links 50 and center swing-arm 34, although similar bearings or bushings are also within the scope of the invention.
In
The caster wheels 58 each have an independent suspension system comprised of springs 60 (as best seen in accompanying
A first alternate suspension system is shown in accompanying
A second alternate suspension system, best seen in
Referring again to
As best seen in
A centrally located, drive wheel 42 generally allows the HyPoV 10 to turn in very tight spaces, within its own footprint. It also increases traction, since the drive wheel 42 is within the center of the device 10, where the weight of the user, frame 14 and seat 12 are focused. The drive wheel 42 turns when directed by the user.
Referring again to
These independent suspension links 50 are mechanically connected to the steering and drive systems to provide increased maneuverability on rough terrain or when the HyPoV 10 encounters obstacles.
In weight distribution tests on the HyPoV, the downward force on the drive motor was three times the force on the caster wheels 58, and 1.5 times the force on the large wheels 28 when the HyPoV 10 was sitting idle, on a flat surface. When any of the four surrounding wheels 28 or 58 travel over an obstacle, the suspension mechanism shifts weight directly to the drive wheel 42 maintaining and, in many scenarios, increasing the downward force on the drive wheel 42. This feature allows the HyPoV 10 to travel over a variety of surfaces and terrains.
The steering mechanism, generally 80, of
The HyPoV design of this invention also allows for the steering mechanism 80 to be moved in all degrees of freedom, including laterally, vertically, and fore and aft, with respect to the user. The steering mechanism 80 can be flipped up, out of the way of the user so he or she can have an unobstructed reach when not driving and can easily transfer out of the HyPoV 10.
Per
To reduce cost and stiffness, the above-described rack-and-pinion mechanism can be replaced with a simpler device that uses rotary motion instead of translating rotary motion to linear motion and back. For increased adjustability, the optional steering device may have different gear ratios between the input force from the user and the output force on the drive wheel. Most importantly, the optional steering device will allow users to employ a pushing or pulling motion for steering instead of pushing to turn in one direction and pulling to turn in the opposite direction. Users with weaker torso strength may not be able to maintain their balance when they pull on a steering tiller. Allowing users to choose the type of motion for steering, and to supplement one motion with the other, creates flexibility and support for users with various abilities. Lastly, the optional steering system should not impede a user transferring into and out of the HyPoV.
One such optional steering mechanism is the drum-cable system shown in
Referring to
In
Now turning to
Also in
The foregoing optional drum-cable steering system 200 can reduce costs of production in several ways. First, it replaces the expensive rack-and-pinion RP device. It also eliminates the need for expensive push/pull cables since the cables 211 of this steering alternative will remain in constant tension against the drums (see
With drums 202 and 206, and cables 211, versus a center steering column (like those found on many scooters), the upper handlebar 204 of this alternate steering system 200 can be placed at different locations, i.e., the right-hand side, left-hand side or center of the HyPoV 210. When placed to one side, the handlebar 204 may act like the steering tiller for the basic HyPoV above. On either side, such a drum-cable system presents less interference than a center steering column. When the upper steering drum 202 is attached to a platform 251 extending across one or more armrests (see
Referring to
The optional steering system 200 has many advantages. The mechanism is less stiff, simpler to operate with rotary-to-rotary motion, and less expensive to make. The system still adjusts for variations in user strength and user preferences while also allowing for easy user transfers in and out of the wheelchair. Significantly, the user can now employ a pushing or pulling motion for steering, thereby increasing accessibility. And, most of the components are designed to be far stronger than required for common use.
Many components of the optional steering system 200 from
In
Still other improvements to the optional drum-cable steering mechanism 200 can be implemented. The washers 219, or entire drums 202 or 206, can be modified to non-circular or elliptical shapes (not shown) for changing the relationship between the angle steered and angle driven with the ratio depending on the angular position of the steering drum. For instance, when the upper steering drum 202 is turned to a small angle, the driven drum 206 responds very little and adds stability for when the user steers straight. Then, when the steering drum 202 is turned to a large angle, the driven drum 206 responds greatly for creating a sharp turn.
An automatic steering embodiment is one where an electric actuator supplies either all of the turning force or assists the manual system. In an embodiment which supplies all of the turning force, a switch system (such as a joystick) can be used to control the device's direction and speed.
In
Any battery B known to those skilled in the art is adaptable for the HyPoV 10. Such batteries should be able to hold a charge longer than conventional wheelchair batteries in that the HyPoV only needs to power one centralized drive motor.
The HyPoV 10 can easily be broken down by removing the seat 12 and transporting in a standard passenger vehicle. A quick disconnect means (not shown) can optionally be used to connect the seat 12 to its perches 24 or frame 14. The seat 12, in one embodiment, is reversible to allow for easy seat orientation reversal using the quick disconnect.
A standard scooter controller can be used in this invention to provide directional (forward/reverse), speed control (acceleration and/or deceleration) and braking controls. The controller can optionally (and preferably) be a programmable controller specified for the motor by its manufacturer. The programmable controller adds the programmability necessary to tune the dynamic stability through control of the acceleration and braking.
While the present invention is disclosed above on a wheelchair type device, it can also be adapted for a personal recreational device having a similar suspension system and central drive wheel. The device can also optionally be made for one or more users. The present invention can also apply to individuals without disabilities, in a non-recreation usage.
While the disclosure has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
This application is a Divisional Application of U.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No. 11/901,137, titled PERSONAL VEHICLE, filed on Sep. 14, 2007, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/844,483, titled PERSONAL VEHICLE, filed on Sep. 14, 2006, both are herein incorporated by reference.
The invention was made with government support under Federal Grant Numbers NSF EEC 0552351, DGE0333420 and H133E990001 by the National Science Foundation. The United States Government has certain rights to the invention.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60844483 | Sep 2006 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 11901137 | Sep 2007 | US |
Child | 13022838 | US |