Joint movement detection device and system for coordinating motor output with manual wheelchair propulsion

摘要

A joint movement detection device and system is presented which is responsive to elbow or wrist movements during use of a manually-propelled wheelchair to enable coordination of assistive motor energization with a user's efforts at self-motivating the manually-propelled wheelchair during driving, steering, and braking of the wheelchair. Several embodiments are provided which help to ensure user-intended assistive motor output that is responsive to movement of the joint over which the device is worn.

主权项

1. A device responsive to movement of a joint of a user's exertive-arm during use of a manually-propelled wheelchair, the device configured for secure attachment over the joint, the device further configured to preserve the functioning of the user's exertive-arm during use of the manually-propelled wheelchair, the device further configured to remain free from contact with a grip surface of the wheelchair during propulsion, steering, and braking of the wheelchair along a desired course, the device comprising:
a.) a sensor having electrical resistivity which varies as a result of mechanical deformation of the sensor; b.) a processor circuit configured for generating a control output in response to variation in electrical resistivity of the sensor; c.) an electronic communication means, responsive to the control output of the processor circuit, for sending a control signal to a motor energizing unit to effectuate a motor control function; wherein the device associates movement of the joint of the user's exertive-arm with energization of a motorized wheel assembly to assist the user in navigating the wheelchair along the desired course.