Design and Development of a New Electrical Powered Indoor-Outdoor Wheelchair
By Egana, F.; San Martin, M.; Olarra, A.; Susperregi, L.; Tubio, C.; Challenges for Assistive Technology: AAATE 2007 Conference Proceedings, pp. 29-34Publication Date: 2007
Article describes the design and development of an electric-powered indoor-outdoor modular wheelchair. The design combines the characteristics of an indoor wheelchair, such as small size required to pass through doors and turn in reduced spaces, with those of an outdoor model, including stability and the ability to climb obstacles such as curbs. The wheelchair features a special lift and tilt system that allows the vertical movement of the seat from the driving position to higher as well as lower positions, enabling the user to have access to counters, hold face-to-face conversations, and reach objects inaccessible from the driving position. The adjustable seat enables lateral transfers at different heights, reducing the risk and the physical effort of the user and the assistant. The chair tilts forward or reclines by moving the two articulated arms of the system. The distance between the drive wheels can be changed from the compact position designed to minimize total chair width to the fully extended position which extends the wheelbase of the chair for increased stability. The wheelchair features safety-related functionalities such as user fall detection, global positioning system (GPS) localization, and an automatic emergency alarm. A curb assistive system and a collision avoidance system are also integrated in order to improve maneuverability and navigation.
Published by: IOS Press (Website:http://www.iospress.nl)
Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE) (Web Site: http://www.aaate.net )
Link to text: http://www.booksonline.iospress.com/Content/View.aspx?piid=7312
ISBN: 978-1-58603-791-8
