Wheelchair Design Research Articles

Design of a Multi-Functional Wheelchair Based Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process

Wheelchairs are tools for humans who experience illness, disabilities, and injuries that cause walking difficulties. There are many types of wheelchairs on the market, while wheelchairs that function to help users defecate flexibly have not been widely sold in the market. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a flexible and multifunctional wheelchair that can assist the users in carrying out their activities. This study aims to develop a design of the multifunctional wheelchair. The designing of multifunctional wheelchair based the FAHP (Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process) method. The use of the FAHP was to select the optimal design and selection of the best alternatives among wheelchair’s indicators of design proposed. The results of calculation of weight values for wheelchair design were obtained a percentage of alternative 1 of 48% and alternative 2 of 52%.

Wheelchair design with variable posture adjustment and obstacle-overcoming ability

To meet the needs of wheelchair users who wish to change their body posture to facilitate their life and move freely in complex environments, this study designs a wheelchair with functions of posture adjustment and overcoming obstacles. After analysis of these specific needs, the wheelchair structure is designed based on modular design principle to include a chair and mobile module. The chair module comprises back-posture adjustment and sliding mechanisms, and the mobile module comprises front, main, and auxiliary wheel-leg mechanism. In particular, the main and auxiliary wheel-leg mechanisms are the main structures for wheelchair movement. The different schemes are then compared and analyzed. On this basis, the kinematic models of each mechanism are established and the motion performance, including posture adjustment and ability to overcome obstacles, is analyzed in detail. Analysis of the mechanical properties provides a basis for the selection of driving components. The control system is designed, and the prototype of multifunctional wheelchair is developed. Experimental results show that the wheelchair can realize the adjustment of body posture and complete the process of moving up and down steps with good user stability. The wheelchair can considerably facilitate the movement of the disabled or the elderly.

Embedded System Based Smart Wheelchair For Physically Challenged People

The degradation of mobility is an important concern that affects the independent living ability of physically Challenged people. Therefore, mobility assistive devices require improvements to uplift the living standards of the people. This paper sets out a design of a smart wheelchair using an embedded system. This paper sets out a design and development of a smart wheelchair using an embedded system. The proposed design of the wheelchair can be controlled through bluetooth which enables the user to control the wheelchair with less effort. Touch commands are deployed to the system in addition to the virtual joystick-controlling interface to enhance the interaction with the user. This aids the disabled in carrying out daily activities independently within indoor environments. Experiments are conducted to verify the functionality of the developed smart wheelchair.

Research on Wheelchair Design for the Disabled Elderly Based on QFD/TRIZ

Objective This research proposes a wheelchair design method for the elderly with disabilities based on the combination of QFD theory and TRIZ theory to improve the satisfaction of the needs of elderly users and the feasibility of implementing related product technologies. Methods Starting from the needs of disabled elderly people, this research analyzes the shortcomings of QFD theory and TRIZ theory, and builds a framework model that combines TRIZ and QFD theory. Conclusion Through the redesign of the wheelchair, the various problems encountered by the disabled elderly in the process of using the wheelchair are solved, and their needs in the wheelchair are met. At the same time, through the analysis of the design process and results, the QFD/TRIZ integrated model is proposed and verified The feasibility of functional product design that can be applied to disabled elderly people.

Intelligent wheelchair positioning control system based on single chip microcomputer

The design of an intelligent wheelchair positioning control system based on single chip microcomputer mainly solves the core problem that many people need to live with the help of wheelchairs because of the aging population and a variety of disease factors. in this case, it needs to be taken care of by the staff, but the family in this case is not rich, and it will cause embarrassment for the family and the family. Through the analysis, we can know that the most worried about the occurrence of wheelchair patients is that they are worried about their loss and are unable to grasp their geographical location. Make the children or relatives worried and unable to work, this design uses single-chip microcomputer as the core controller, combined with dipper module for positioning, and uses Hall module to detect its driving state. to achieve the purpose of learning the travel status of wheelchair patients in time. So that their children can work at ease.

Implementation of Android-Controlled Smart Wheelchair Design

Implementation of Android-Controlled Smart Wheelchair Design

Design and development of a self-propelled indoor wheelchair with direct toilet accessibility

Purpose Existing wheelchair (WC) designs lack independent toilet accessibility, transferability and indoor manoeuvrability combined in a WC. In this regard, a new WC model is proposed to simultaneously accommodate these distinct and essential features. In this open-source hardware project, the design, analysis and fabrication of a new active commode WC for indoor applications are performed. Materials and method A field survey is conducted to identify the requirements of users so as to choose specific features and design constraints for the WC. In this multipurpose self-propelled model, a temporarily detachable circular section is fitted in the seat position to access the water closet bowl. This hinged portion can be released by gravity before reaching above the closet basin. After the toilet usage, the circular lid can be brought back to the initial seating using a lever mechanism and a spring-loaded lock restrains its downward movement. Thereafter, it can be used as an ordinary WC for indoor applications. Moreover, a small wheel with 22 in diameter and removable hand-rests ensured the transferability between utilities. A CAD model is prepared and numerical simulation is performed to verify the structural stability of the design. Results The optimized model is fabricated using standard manufacturing practices and is delivered to different persons with disabilities to collect user feedback. A systematic skill test is conducted to validate the compliance of the prototype with the user requirements including transferability and independent restroom access. Conclusion The opinions from most of the users are positive which categorically indicated that the proposed design addresses the multipurpose mobility requirements at indoors. Implications for rehabilitation The expected outcomes and implications of the current commode WC project with regard to rehabilitation purpose are enlisted below: In the present scenario, a WC user is heavily dependent on external assistance to access private spaces in general and toilets in particular. The introduced model is capable to address this shortcoming by enabling the user to access the toilet utility directly by self propelling. Indeed, for a person with locomotor disability, a WC is the natural extension of his physical body. Thereby, this multipurpose commode WC design offers much Independence and greater flexibility to the indoor movements. The proposed design instils confidence to a WC user to access and transfer between facilities by means of self effort. Consequently it is expected to improve the quality of one’s personal life significantly. Importantly, this is an open-source project, those who are interested in rehabilitation motives can modify the present design to suit their local requirements especially in resource-limited settings.

Design of Wheel Chair Up Stairs at Station for Disability People

Intelligent wheelchairs are motorized resting media designed to help users with physical limitations, where an artificial control system is added or used to replace user controls. The aim is to reduce or eliminate the user's duty to drive a motorized wheelchair. At the station there are still many places that are still not accessible by persons with disabilities. As the difference between platform and train height, usually there are stairs that support to enter the train. Therefore the writer makes an innovation so that it can make it easier for people with disabilities to move up stairs in a wheelchair. The design of the wheelchair design uses a crawler type with the help of universal plates from Tamiya, the gearbox uses Twin Motor with a rotation ratio of 204: 1. Servo motor mounted on the seat which is supported by a gyro sensor as a counterweight to the chair when the position of the chair up or down. In the DC motor and servo PID method is added so that the motion changes can be smooth. PID is installed when testing the equilibrium results obtained a little stable oscillation at Kp = 0.27, Ki = 0.0004, and Kd = 0.0001, while when testing the speed obtained the most stable conditions at Kp = 2, Ki = 1, Kd = 0.25.

Design of Multifunction Wheelchair with Nigel Cross Method

Product design can be done with the initial steps of a systematic approach that is making concept ideas and evaluating them. With the concept, the product design is required to have a concept development, as well as testing of the concept. This research aims to add a multifunctional design to an existing product, a lever for an adjustable chair, and a place for drinking bottles. The design attributes are obtained from the designer’s brainstorm. The size of the design is obtained from a direct field survey of market desires for Multifunctional Wheelchair Products. This Multifunction Wheelchair was created because. Manual wheelchairs have the disadvantage of requiring a lot of energy for their users. The specifications of the Multifunctional Wheelchair are obtained from distributing questionnaires to the elderly and disability in hospitals. QFD method discusses a comparison between Multifunctional Wheelchair Products, with 3 other competitors with the same attributes. Solving each problem, resulting in sub-solutions from Nigel Cross’s steps to maintain product excellence. Pairwise Comparison and AHP calculate the weights of each attribute then rank them. The final step is value engineering to increase the value product for consumers and reduce the cost of producing.

Optimal path planning for intelligent automated wheelchair using DDSRPSO

PurposeThis paper aims to find the optimal path using directionally driven self-regulating particle swarm optimization (DDSRPSO) with high accuracy and minimal response time.Design/methodology/approachThis paper encompasses optimal path planning for automated wheelchair design using swarm intelligence algorithm DDSRPSO. Swarm intelligence is incorporated in optimization due to the cooperative behavior in it.FindingsThe proposed work has been evaluated in three different regions and the comparison has been made with particle swarm optimization and self-regulating particle swarm optimization and proved that the optimal path with robustness is from the proposed algorithm.Originality/valueThe performance metrics used for evaluation includes computational time, success rate and distance traveled.

Design and Realization of Intelligent Wheelchair Based on STM32

In response to the market demand of people who need special care, a smart wheelchair based on STM32 is designed. Through the STM32F103ZET6 development board, it uses the smart car (simulated electric wheelchair) as the carrier with the attitude calculation algorithm, GPS positioning, Lora wireless communication, PWM speed control and distance detection, the gesture control of the movement and steering of the car, automatic obstacle avoidance, GPS Real-time transmission of positioning information, one-key call for help, and video recording of unexpected situations. The gesture recognition rate of the system is stable and the safety is high, and it can meet the requirements of wheelchair intelligence.

Design and Application of Smart and Electrical Wheelchair and Charging Station for the Disabled Citizen

In this paper, the design and application of smart wheelchair and charging station for disabled citizen is realized. The first stage of the paper is to make the wheelchair used by our disabled citizens able to access smart home technology via the vehicle via touch screen. The ability of citizens with disabilities to call with direct access via touch screen is also in the wheelchair designed. Thanks to the touch screen placed on the vehicle, disabled citizens are provided with the control of smart automation to control many objects such as curtains and doors in the home. In the second part of the paper, a solar powered charging station is designed and installed in order to charge battery powered wheelchairs. In the charging station made a special card reader system and has the charger to charge the card with disabilities to actively and means are provided.

Design and Manufacture of Solar-Powered Wheelchair

Design and Manufacture of Solar-Powered Wheelchair

Virtual environment for smart wheelchair simulation

The difficulty of designing equipment for individuals who have some degree of special needs is that each individual has a unique clinical picture, hampering the development of new technologies. In this sense, this article explores the ways in which the design and evaluation of virtual devices can be combined with new prototyping techniques to create and develop equipment that will allow wheelchair accessibility to be improved. To this end, a computer vision control structure and a virtual software were created to assist in the development of a wheelchair coupling project, in order to study and evaluate the functional characteristics of the device. In this way, the present work incorporates a virtual system that represents the automation and mechanical design of new wheelchairs. Thus defining a prototyping methodology with the aid of virtual environments, based on movement controls adaptive to the parameters stipulated in real environments. Therefore, the present work results in a simulator for an electric wheelchair docking platform for multiple disabilities, which allows the validation of the project, the acquisition of development needs, the proposition of improvements in the preliminary acquisition platform and a system of computer vision control.

Design of an adjustable wheelchair for table tennis participation

Purpose Physical activity and recreation are very important for people with disabilities and provide benefits for self-esteem, social relationships, employment, rehabilitation, and education. Para Table Tennis is an adaptive sport where participants compete in table tennis while sitting in a wheelchair. However, athletes generally use their everyday wheelchair instead of a device specifically designed for the sport. The specific support, movements, and posture needed to participate in table tennis at the highest level are different than general day-to-day mobility and a device could be optimized for the sport. This research describes the development of a wheelchair specifically designed for para table tennis. Materials and methods The design followed a participatory action design approach which identified the specific needs for a wheelchair to be used during para table tennis. Results Three design needs were identified which included 1) locking the casters in the forward direction, 2) ability to raise the seat height as high as possible while allowing the user's knees to fit under the table, and 3) adjustable seat angle which will allow some users to have anterior tilt to get their trunk even higher while other users could have posterior tilt for stability. A new chair meeting these needs was designed and prototyped. Conclusions Para table tennis has some specific requirements related to movements and posture which were improved by a new wheelchair design specific for the sport. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Many adaptive sports are improved with sport specific technology. A model client was used to develop a wheelchair specifically for adaptive table tennis. The height and angle of the seat of the new wheelchair can be adjusted for optimal stability and reach. The casters of the new wheelchair can be locked to allow only forward and backward motion

Development of a dual - purpose wheelchair for COVID-19 paraplegic patients using nigerian anthropometry data

Due to the numerous numbers of COVID-19 infected patients, the call for more isolation centers and hospital facilities, the widespread of COVID-19 virus amidst the health caregivers as a result of the handling of infected patients and the challenging situations of the paraplegics, a dual-purpose wheelchair is thus proposed for isolation centers and hospitals in the underdeveloped countries. The dual-purpose wheelchair was developed to facilitate sitting and sleeping postures that are desirable in handling the challenges of COVID-19 paraplegic patients in homes, hospitals and rehabilitation centers. The documented anthropometry parameter of the 5th, 50th, 75th, and 95th percentile distribution of Nigerian paraplegics were retrieved and used in the design. The developed wheelchair was powered by a battery that converts the system from the wheelchair mode (sitting mode) to the bed (sleeping/relaxation) mode or vice versa. The average conversion rate of the dual-purpose wheelchair from bed mode to sitting mode and sitting mode to bed mode at no load is about 149.7 s and 163.6 s respectively with a standard error of ±0.2 s. Also, the average conversion rate from sitting mode to bed/sleeping mode and bed mode to sitting mode under load is about 150.4 s and 166 s respectively. The ergonomic suitability and comfortability were determined from the computed average acceleration (ARMS), vibration dose value (VDV), and weighted acceleration value (AWRMS). The result from the performance test shows that the average acceleration falls between the range of 0.10 m/s2 and 0.29 m/s2 and the vibration dose value (VDV) ranges between 0.01 m/s1.75 and 1.35 m/s1.75. The weighted acceleration (Aweighted) was also computed and found to be between the range of 0.01 m/s2 and 0.35 m/s2 vibration value. Thus, attesting that the dual-purpose wheelchair design is ergonomically correct and safe to be used. The cost of the production of the prototype is estimated at one hundred and ninety dollars (190 USD).

Preliminary test-retest reliability of the Wheelchair Satisfaction Questionnaire

Purpose Economic realities in lower-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) present an increased need for outcome measures for wheelchair efficacy, as these measures enable optimized use of funds. As the provision level of wheelchairs is low in these areas, and many wheelchairs are inappropriate for their intended users, use of funds based on evidence is especially necessary. The Wheelchair Satisfaction Questionnaire (WSQ) was designed to be a snapshot of a wheelchair user’s level of satisfaction with their wheelchair. The WSQ is comprised of 16 visual analogue scale questions. Each question includes an option for a qualitative explanatory comment. The current study examined initial test-retest reliability of the WSQ. Materials and methods The WSQ was administered twice to the same set of wheelchair users who were secondary students at a school for students with disabilities. A demonstration was given to the participants to explain how to mark the analogue scale. Participants were instructed to answer each item honestly and without peer input. A one-week time span separated test and retest. Scores for both sessions were entered into SPSS. An interclass coefficient of 0.70 or above indicates acceptable test-retest reliability Results The ages of participants ranged from 13 to 24, with a mean age of 17.86 years. Sixty-five participants completed the questionnaire fully in both test and retest and were included in this study. A high degree of reliability was found between scores from both tests. The interclass coefficient was r(63) = .863, p = .01, indicating statistically significant agreement between test and retest. Conclusion The results support the WSQ as a reliable measure, confirming the WSQ as a reliable tool for user feedback on wheelchair function. Because the WSQ is designed to provide user feedback with enough granularity to give data on particular aspects of wheelchair structure and function, data can facilitate repair and modifications to wheelchair parts. Studies using the WSQ to assess specific wheelchair types could indicate consistent patterns of user satisfaction and dissatisfaction, revealing relevant design issues. The WSQ is designed to give wheelchair users a voice that can empower user centred modification and design changes to facilitate improved health, opportunity, and social interaction. Implications for Rehabilitation Results from the WSQ could enable manufacturers to utilize user feedback to improve the design of wheelchairs for use in LMIC’s, and providers could be better-informed in the selection of wheelchair types for specific environments. The WSQ could provide immediate user feedback to inform wheelchair modification and selection to best serve a particular user. The WSQ could be used in clinical settings over time to collect longitudinal data from wheelchair users, which could identify the most commonly perceived reasons for user dissatisfaction in a particular clinical setting.

THE PROCESS OF DESIGNING SPECIAL WHEEL CHAIR FOR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

There is a need to design and develop an affordable motorized vehicle for better mobility among physical disabilities. This study aimed is to initiate appropriate and affordable materials to develop an accessible motorized wheelchair. It includes the feasibility study of the existing used wheelchair, the system used and the characteristic of the physical disabilities symptom. Through the observation, an existing motorized wheelchair uses stainless steel as the main structure, manipulating the shelves heavy-duty accessories, electrical component, heavy-duty battery and car pulley system in which the weight accumulates approximately 100 kg. The heavyweight wheelchair cannot be folded and put inside the car. It also needs to have a special carrier to carry the wheelchair. The field research has also been conducted to evaluate the existing wheelchair system in the market with various systems used, components, and motors material used in the area of technical, usability and comfort before start to redesigning the wheelchair. The results of the study would include the background needs of the characteristic of physical disabilities. The available high-grade aluminium materials will be used to support the mobility and their relevant properties. The design will be done all the way and the specification will be used as an instrument data for the motorized vehicle. The selection of design features, documentation of design procedures and results will be used to create a P.O.C (Prove of Concept) prototype for the meant vehicle. The user will use the preliminary prototyping test and the data (result) will be used to improvise the wheelchair prototype. The second improvised prototype will undergo the second user testing in the area of reliability, stabilization of system, and ease of usage. The results expected will be observed and tested by the user to lead towards the recommendation of the motorized wheelchair design.

Control of Electric Wheelchair Suspension System based on Biodynamic Response of Seated Human Body

Electric wheelchair is one of the equipment to be used by the incapacitated and disable people. Constant exposure to vibration affects human comfort and health. Reducing the vibrations transmitted to the human body is important in the electric wheelchair design and becomes a healthcare industry demand. This paper deals with the study on vibration control of the electric wheelchair suspension system. A generalized model of the electric wheelchair suspension, including the biodynamic model of seated human body is presented. In order to achieve optimal suspension performance, an active control for wheelchair suspension is designed based on H-infinity control criterion. Numerical simulations are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed wheelchair suspension system. The simulation results show that the proposed control system can effectively attenuate the vibration amplitude and improve the wheelchair suspension performance. This control system could be used for electric wheelchair design and assist with improving human comfort.

User behaviour-based approach to define mobility devices needs of disabled person in Algeria: a questionnaire study

Purpose This article showcases the adaptability of existing mobility devices for the Algerian disabled population. It aims to develop a behavior model of disabled Algerian persons through (1) development of a theoretical model based on literature review and (2) improvement of this model by using local collected data from our developed questionnaire. Methods The majority of existing mobility devices for disabled persons are adapted developed countries context. The Algerian context (people and environment) has its own specifications and needs. Researchers does not address the disabled people behavior modelling in Algeria, due to the unavailability of data and the difficulty of their collection. In order to overcome this problem and develop adapted mobility devices for this particular population, the deployment of a questionnaire to collect local data, becomes necessary. First, a behavior model is deduced from the literature review then a questionnaire is developed and deployed to complete the missing field of this model. The deployment questionnaire panel is composed of 260 persons including users, their families and staff working in disabled person's aid organization. Results The main result of this paper consist in a specific behavior model of Algerian disabled persons. This population are looking for reliable and smart wheelchair (97%) to be able to overcome their daily mobility difficulties due to the infrastructure and the global economic context. Conclusion The proposed model can generate adapted wheelchair for Algerian context. The results of the questionnaire are an important step to understand disabilities in Algeria and developing countries. Implications for Rehabilitation Development of a behavior model for the disabled persons displacement. Development and deployment of questionnaire for disabled persons in Algeria. Review of disabled person situation and existing wheelchair in Algeria. Identification of Algerian disabled persons requirement and demonstrate that are different from European one. Definition of recommendation set for the design of wheelchair adapted to Algerian context.