Multi Position Smart Wheelchair for Mobility

An estimated 15% of the global population experience significant physical challenges which includes spinal issues, spinal cord disorders, back bone, lower limbs and thus make mobility problems for this group of people. Assistive mobility technologies have been invented to aid the physically challeng

Project Title

Multi Position Smart Wheelchair for Mobility

Project Area of Specialization

Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Project Summary

An estimated 15% of the global population experience significant physical challenges which includes spinal issues, spinal cord disorders, back bone, lower limbs and thus make mobility problems for this group of people. Assistive mobility technologies have been invented to aid the physically challenged people in moving from one point to another and these include wheelchairs, lifting aids, exoskeletons, walking devices and other devices. However, in most cases, the user requires assistance in operating the device including help in pushing the wheelchair, to help in lifting from the bed, to support using the toilet or to provide guidance through cluttered areas. With fewer caregivers and increased number of older adults, there is a significant need for improved assistive devices to provide more independence.

This project presents the design and development of a prototype of an adjustable smart standup wheelchair for rehabilitation and self-assistance to fit the size of a seven years old child (average 25-30 kg weight). Though this prototype is designed to fit a child, it can be resized, after considering variations in weight and size, to fit an older adult. The designed prototype has a mechanism that enables the user to transform from sit-to-stand (STS) posture and vice versa. With the help of the designed wheelchair, the user will also be able to adjust the posture of his upper body using adjustable back support using three linear actuators. Ultrasonic proximity sensors are being wired into the wheelchair drive system circuitry in order to assist the user in avoiding obstacles as well as in navigation. These sensors are crucial in assisting the user in preventing crashing into obstacles when they lose control of the wheelchair. The sensors convert electric signals into ultrasonic waves which are emitted towards the four sides of the wheelchair and are reflected back to the sensor upon encountering an obstacle. The braking system of the wheelchair simply by covering the front ultrasonic sensor hence triggering the object avoidance system which cuts off power to the electric motors hence braking the wheelchair. Preventing the wheelchair from moving will aid to the stability of the user and reduce chances of falling over. Cost reduction of existing product: In current market it is not available. In some few places it is available but at a very high price and prices online vary very much one is available at a price of 7.5 lacs and one at the same time is available at 2.5 lacs also. So there is no uniformity in buying this as a product from online sites and going local market it is immense to find any distributor to buy it. Safely assuming it is not available anywhere in Pakistan.
 

Project Objectives

Following selection criteria were considered and weighted for each of the design concepts and each conceptual design was evaluated and scaled against a factor. The concept with the highest rating was considered the optimal solution for the design. The criterion factors considered included:

1) Ergonomics 2) Safety 3) Cost 4) Function 5) Simplicity of Mechanisms 6) Efficiency 7) Ease of Maintenance 8) Reliability

-To assists users in reclining and getting up to standing posture and seat with reduced effort.

-To make it affordable for the patients.

-Such kind of wheelchair is not available in any local markets. We will capture market by making it available first, the cost with which we will start will be affordable so it becomes desirable among demandable institutions as well as patients.

-It would aid the users to perform more tasks such as standing, maintaining eye to eye contact during conversations, cooking, exercising/physiotherapy, and reaching a top-shelf among other activities.
 

Project Implementation Method

The design procedure of the wheelchair followed a standard design process which can be applied for a full size wheelchair. There are various features and designs for reconfigurable wheelchairs which are commercially available. A wheelchair equipped with a STS mechanism is designed that will enables a child to be more independent and to
change his/her posture when he/she needs to do so. All designs are proposed in a way to let the wheelchair rider transform from sitting to a standing position and vice versa without need of any external help.

The mechanism consists of hydraulic linear actuators as the main source of power for the lifting and reclining mechanisms. When the command to lift the user is input, the battery powers the main hydraulic linear actuator to extend, pushing the wheelchair seat at an angle to the vertical. During this action, the other actuators extend outwards and apply an upward force on the seat through the sliding assembly. The action of these actuators results in a resultant
upward lift force that elevates and sustains the weight of the user.

Benefits of the Project

Several studies have shown that both children and
adults benefit substantially from access to independent
mobility. Independent mobility increases vocational
and educational opportunities, reduces dependence on
caregivers and family members, and promotes feelings of
self-reliance. Reductions in functional mobility are linked
with reduced participation and loss of social connections. Psychologically, decreases in mobility can lead to
feelings of emotional loss, reduced self-esteem, isolation,
stress, and fear of abandonment.

In some few places it is available but at a very high price and prices online vary very much one is available at a price of 7.5 lacs and one at the same time is available at 2.5 lacs also. So there is no uniformity in buying this as a product from online sites and going local market it is immense to find any distributor to buy it. Safely assuming it is not available anywhere in Pakistan. The challenge to this would be first to make it user friendly in a couple of ways for a completely disabled person which might not even use his hand gestures to control it and for a half disabled person that might use it easily.It is a two in one wheel chair with Joystick controller and voice recognition through Bluetooth module. This configuration will allow the user to use the wheelchair as a mobility device as well as for rehabilitation purposes without the need of external support. The availability of STS and back adjustment mechanisms will allow the user to do regular exercising which will enhance blood circulation as sitting for long periods inflates lower limbs disability.
 

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

A technical process of project is followed through all stages of the project following certain design represent the mechanism of reconfigurable wheelchair. The mechanism enables the wheelchair user to transform from STS posture and vice versa. The wheelchair will allow the user to use it as a mobility device as well as for rehabilitation purposes without any external support. In order to support the user while standing; the wheelchair is equipped with a leg stand which provides support while standing. The mechanism consists of hydraulic linear actuators as the main source of power for the lifting and reclining mechanisms. When the command to lift the user is input, the battery powers the main hydraulic linear actuator to extend, pushing the wheelchair seat at an angle to the vertical. During this action, the other actuators extend outwards and apply an upward force on the seat through the sliding assembly. The action of these actuators results in a resultant upward lift force that elevates and sustains the weight of the user.

Final Deliverable of the Project

HW/SW integrated system

Core Industry

Health

Other Industries

Core Technology

Robotics

Other Technologies

Sustainable Development Goals

Good Health and Well-Being for People

Required Resources

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