People with disabilities who require powered mobility assistance currently have no choice other than electric devices with expensive, slow-charging batteries. These devices are also incapable of being exposed to wet environments due to the electronics used to drive them. As a result, users are restricted from participating in water activities – such as going to a pool, waterpark, or beach – and users must transfer out of the device when it’s time to take a shower. The PneuMobility devices are driven using only compressed air, which removes the need for electronics. Without batteries on board, our devices weigh a fraction of electric powered devices, recharge in minutes, and no longer require expensive battery replacement. Not only could that save the user up to $500 per year, but it also removes the hassle of proper battery disposal.
Description
The PneuMobility system consists of air tanks, air powered motors, air lines, and control valves. This air-powered design reduces maintenance, and anyone with basic technical skills can troubleshoot a problem if one arises. The compressed air supply can be recharged an infinite number of times without losing performance, can be thrown away without any environmental concerns, and doesn’t need to be replaced during the lifetime of the mobility device. While
battery-powered devices can take up to eight hours to recharge, PneuMobility air tanks take only 10 minutes to refill.
Applications
Home use, including showering
Recreation that involves getting wet (e.g., waterparks, public pools, beaches)
Hospitals
Nursing Homes
Airports
Advantages
Lightweight
Waterproof
Quick recharge time
Removes the need for expensive and environmentally-hazardous batteries
Invention Readiness
Prototypes of the PneuChair and PneuScooter have been designed and created. The PneuChair has undergone standards testing.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US11504286B2
