Wheelchair mobility system and method

• US 20030127261A1
• Filed: 12/04/2002
• Published: 07/10/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/07/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: General Motors Corporation (Motors Liquidation Co. GUC Trust)
• Original Assignee: General Motors Corporation (Motors Liquidation Co. GUC Trust)
• Inventors: Shabana, Mohsen D., Chernoff, Adrian B., Borroni-Bird, Christopher E., Vitale, Robert Louis
• Application Number:
  US10/309,789
• Publication Number:
  US 20030127261A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 180/65.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 13/14 having dampers accumulating utilisable energy, e.g. compressing air fluid springs with an accumulator B60G11/30
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 17/015 the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements B60G17/002, B60G17/005 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 17/0195 characterised by the regulation being combined with other vehicle control systems conjoint control of vehicle sub-units including control of suspension systems B60W10/22
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2200/10 Independent suspensions
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2200/144 with two lateral arms forming a parallelogram
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2200/18 Multilink suspensions, e.g. elastokinematic arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2200/44 steerable
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2200/46 camber angle
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2200/462 Toe-in/out
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2202/40 Type of actuator
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2202/42 Electric actuator
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2204/10 Mounting of suspension elements
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2204/11 Mounting of sensors thereon
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2204/14 Mounting of suspension arms
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2204/16 Mounting of vehicle body on chassis
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2204/20 Mounting of accessories, e.g. pump, compressor
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2204/202 of cables
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2206/011 Modular constructions
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2206/0114 Independent suspensions on subframes
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2206/50 Constructional features of wheel supports or knuckles, e.g. steering knuckles, spindle attachments
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2206/99 : Suspension element selection procedure depending on loading or performance requirements, e.g. selection of damper, spring or bush
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2300/45 : Rolling frame vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2300/50 : Electric vehicles; Hybrid vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2300/60 : Vehicles using regenerative power
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2800/21 : Traction, slip, skid or slide control
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2800/802 : Diagnostics
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2800/90 : System Controller type
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2800/91 : Suspension Control
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2800/92 : ABS - Brake Control
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2800/963 : Steer-by-wire
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 3/18 : with two or more pivoted arms, e.g. parallelogram
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 7/003 : of adjustable length
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 1/004 : for vehicles having a combustion engine and electric drive means, e.g. hybrid electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 1/00 : Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units B60K7/00 takes precedence; arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion B60K6/00; electric transmission arrangements B60K17/12; electric equipment or propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles per se B60L; current-collectors for power supply lines of electrically-propelled vehicles B60L5/00
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 1/04 : of the electric storage means for propulsion exchanging batteries for electric propulsion of vehicles B60L53/80; for auxiliary purposes only B60R16/04; supplying batteries to, or removing batteries from, vehicles B60S5/06
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 15/07 : of gas tanks
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2001/001 : one motor mounted on a propulsion axle for rotating right and left wheels of this axle
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2001/005 : the electric storage means
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 7/0007 : the motor being electric
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 15/2009 : for braking
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/46 : Vehicles with auxiliary ad-on propulsions, e.g. add-on electric motor kits for bicycles
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2220/44 : Wheel Hub motors, i.e. integrated in the wheel hub
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/12 : Speed
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/423 : Torque
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/16 : by display
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/26 : by pedal actuation
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2260/28 : Four wheel or all wheel drive
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2270/40 : related to technical updates when adding new parts or software
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 7/16 : for vehicles comprising converters between the power source and the motor
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/14 : rotatable, e.g. to permit easy access B60N2/10 , B60N2/2869 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/90 : Details or parts not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 1/065 : employing disc B60T1/062 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 1/10 : by utilising wheel movement for accumulating energy, e.g. driving air compressors
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 13/66 : Electrical control in fluid-pressure brake systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 13/662 : characterised by specified functions of the control system components
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 13/74 : with electrical assistance or drive
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 2270/82 : Brake-by-Wire, EHB
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 7/00 : Brake-action initiating means
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 7/042 : by electrical means, e.g. using travel or force sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 8/00 : Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force by changing number of effective brake cylinders in power brake systems B60T17/10
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 10/18 : including control of braking systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 10/20 : including control of steering systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 10/24 : including control of energy storage means
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2520/10 : Longitudinal speed
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2520/105 : Longitudinal acceleration
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2520/125 : Lateral acceleration
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2520/14 : Yaw
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2520/28 : Wheel speed
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2540/18 : Steering angle
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 30/18 : Propelling the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60Y 2200/84 : Wheelchairs
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 3/12 : characterised by three-wheeled construction
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/02 : vehicle-mounted
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/22 : Alternative steering-control elements, e.g. for teaching purposes
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 21/00 : Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted combined frame and vehicle body B62D23/00 ; characterised by the material thereof B62D29/00
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 21/10 : in which the main member is plate-like
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 21/15 : having impact absorbing means, e.g. a frame designed to permanently or temporarily change shape or dimension upon impact with another body bumpers B60R19/02; shock absorbers in general F16F
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 24/02 : Vehicle body, not intended to move relatively to the vehicle frame, and mounted on vibration absorbing mountings, e.g. rubber pads
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 29/008 : predominantly of light alloys, e.g. extruded
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 35/02 : Streamlining the undersurfaces B62D35/005, B62D35/007, B62D35/008 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 5/00 : Power-assisted or power-driven steering for non-deflectable wheels B62D11/00; fluid-pressure servomotors in general F15B
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 63/025 : Modular vehicles superstructures for busses having modular sections B62D31/025
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 65/04 : Joining preassembled modular units composed of sub-units performing diverse functions, e.g. engine and bonnet B62D65/06 - B62D65/16 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 : Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/64 : Electric machine technologies in electromobility
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/72 : Electric energy management in electromobility
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/88 : Optimized components or subsystems, e.g. lighting, actively controlled glasses
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/16 : Information or communication technologies improving the operation of electric vehicles

Abstract

A wheelchair mobility system includes a wheelchair with an operator interface that controls the wheelchair and is connectable to a vehicle controllable through a drive-by-wire control so that it controls the vehicle. The wheelchair has a battery that may be recharged by the vehicle when the interface is connected. A method for enabling a wheelchair-bound person to drive a vehicle includes providing an operator-interface on a wheelchair usable for driving the wheelchair, providing access on the vehicle for receiving the wheelchair onboard the vehicle and providing a connector for connecting the operator interface and the vehicle so that the operator interface is usable for driving the vehicle. A method for the wheelchair-bound to drive includes driving a wheelchair through an operator interface, accessing a vehicle while wheelchair-bound and connecting the operator interface to the vehicle for controlling the vehicle.

Claims

1. A wheelchair mobility system comprising:

a vehicle having

a frame,

at least three wheels operable with respect to the frame,

a steering system mounted with respect to the frame and responsive to non-mechanical control signals,

a braking system mounted with respect to the frame and responsive to non-mechanical control signals,

an energy conversion system mounted with respect to the frame and responsive to non-mechanical control signals,

a connector port mounted with respect to the frame and operably connected to the steering, braking and energy conversion systems, and

a first locator mounted with respect to the frame; and

a wheelchair having

a second locator interfittable with the first locator to position the wheelchair on the vehicle as a driver'"'"'s seat,

the wheelchair being interconnectable with the connector port on the vehicle and having a motor and an operator interface operable for moving the wheelchair independently of the vehicle through the motor and being operable when positioned as a driver'"'"'s seat on the vehicle and interconnected with the connector port on the frame for driving the vehicle.

2. The mobility system of claim 1 wherein the first locator is structure on the vehicle forming a groove and the second locator is a portion of the wheelchair.

3. The mobility system of claim 1 wherein the vehicle has an energy source for the energy conversion system, and the wheelchair has a battery for powering the motor, said battery having a connector interconnectable with the energy source on the vehicle to recharge the battery.

4. A wheelchair adapted for multiple uses as a wheelchair and as a driver'"'"'s seat for a drivable vehicle comprising, a chair for supporting a person, a wheel connected to the chair for supporting and motivating the chair, a motor for driving the wheel, an operator interface in a drivable relationship by a person in the chair and in a controllable relationship to the motor, the operator interface having a connector selectively interconnectable with the motor to control the wheelchair or with the vehicle to drive the vehicle.

5. The wheelchair of claim 4 including a battery for powering the motor wherein the battery further has a connector selectively interconnectable with the vehicle to recharge the battery when the operator interface is selectively interconnected with the vehicle to drive the vehicle.

6. A mobility system comprising:

a vehicle having drive-by-wire control apparatus including a drive-by-wire connector port; and

a wheelchair removably mountable in the vehicle including a connector operatively connected to an operator interface and operably and removably connectable with the connector port, whereby said operator interface may be used to drive the vehicle when the wheelchair is mounted in the vehicle with the connector connected to the connector port, and the operator interface may be used to drive the wheelchair when the wheelchair is removed from the vehicle and the connector disconnected from the connector port.

7. The mobility system of claim 6 wherein the vehicle has a power source and including a battery configured for engagement with the power source when the wheelchair is mounted in the vehicle with the connector connected to the connector port so that the battery may be recharged.

8. A wheelchair comprising:

an operator interface for driving the wheelchair,

mounting structure configured for mounting the wheelchair on a vehicle, and

a connector selectively operatively associated with the operator interface and configured to be operatively and removably connectable to the vehicle,

whereby said operator interface may be used to drive the vehicle when the connector is operably connected to the vehicle.

9. The wheelchair of claim 8 including:

a battery for powering the wheelchair, and

a connector configured for connecting the battery with the vehicle when the operator interface is used to drive the vehicle, whereby to recharge the battery.

10. A mobility system comprising:

a vehicle having;

a frame,

at least three wheels operable with respect to the frame,

a steering system mounted with respect to the frame and responsive to non-mechanical control signals,

a braking system mounted with respect to the frame and responsive to non-mechanical control signals,

an energy conversion system mounted with respect to the frame and responsive to non-mechanical control signals,

a connector port mounted with respect to the frame and operably connected to the steering, braking and energy conversion systems, and

structure on the vehicle forming a groove that is substantially fixed with respect to the frame; and

a wheelchair including;

a motor,

a locator on the wheelchair interfittable with the groove on the vehicle to position the wheelchair with respect to the vehicle as a driver'"'"'s seat,

an operator interface operable for driving the wheelchair independently of the vehicle through the motor and operable for driving the vehicle through the connector port when the locator on the wheelchair is interfitted with the structure forming a groove on the vehicle, and

a battery for powering the wheelchair when the operator interface is operable for driving the wheelchair independently of the vehicle, said battery having a connector for interconnecting the battery with a power source in the energy conversion system of the vehicle to recharge the battery when the interface is operable for driving the vehicle.

11. A method of enabling a vehicle to be driven from a wheelchair comprising:

providing an operator interface on the wheelchair usable for driving the wheelchair;

providing access on the vehicle for receiving the wheelchair onboard the vehicle;

providing an operator interface connector connectable between the operator interface and the vehicle when the wheelchair is onboard the vehicle so that the operator interface is usable for driving the vehicle.

12. The method of claim 11 including providing a locator on the wheelchair and a second locator on the vehicle for sufficiently interfitting the wheelchair and the vehicle when the wheelchair is received onboard the vehicle so that the wheelchair is located with respect to the vehicle.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the locator and the second locator are accessible to a user of the wheelchair, permitting the user to interfit the wheelchair and the vehicle with the locators.

14. The method of claim 12 including providing a mechanism for securing the wheelchair to the vehicle.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the mechanism for securing the wheelchair to the vehicle is accessible to a user of the wheelchair, permitting the user to secure the wheelchair to the vehicle.

16. A method for the wheelchair-bound to drive a vehicle comprising:

driving a wheelchair through an operator interface controlling at least one of the wheelchair'"'"'s steering, accelerating, decelerating and braking systems;

accessing the vehicle while wheelchair-bound; and

connecting the operator interface to the vehicle in a manner for controlling at least one of the vehicle'"'"'s steering, accelerating, decelerating and braking systems.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein accessing the vehicle includes affixing the wheelchair in a fixed relation to the vehicle.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein accessing the vehicle includes controlling structure on the vehicle to facilitate the access of the wheelchair onboard the vehicle.