Abstract
Smart systems are defined as device that incorporates functions of sensing, actuation and control. They are capable of describing and analysing a situation, and taking decisions based on the available data in a predictive or adaptive manner, thereby performing smart actions. In most cases the “smartness” of the system can be attributed to autonomous operation based on closed loop control, energy efficiency and networking capabilities. Wheel Chair is a mobility device designed for shifting patients, moving physically challenged people from one place to another with the help of attendee or by means of self-propelling. Wheelchairs are of two kinds:
- Manually Powered Wheelchair
- Electrical Powered Wheelchair.
The redesign of controller of electrically powered wheelchair is considered for this project. The aim is to develop an economical, convenient, extensible and fool-proof system for an automated, electrically powered wheelchair catering to the needs of quadriplegics and paraplegics.
- Economical:The commercially available electrically powered wheelchairs cost around Rs.2, 00,000/- with less options. Our wheelchair will be more affordable with many control options at a nominal price, the cost estimate for which has been shown in the cost analysis section of the report.
- Convenient: It is designed with patient’s comfort in mind. Different functionalities of the wheelchair makes it a convenient system.
- Extensible: The modular approach in the design of the wheelchair makes it extensible. The control aspect of the wheelchair is virtually infinite.
- Fool-Proof: The design of the wheelchair took place after a lot of brain storming sessions and the code for the control of the wheelchair has been designed taking into consideration every test case scenario that we could think of.
The final product is a smart wheelchair which provides various mountable modules which can be integrated with any existing wheelchair depending on the user requirements. The wheelchair is primarily targeted for paraplegics and quadriplegics. All modules are controlled using a master controller which is built on a Raspberry Pi platform. These features provide comfort and independence to patients at affordable costs. The project is undertaken as an inter-disciplinary project with efforts from students of mechanical engineering and computer science engineering.
The project also has been funded under the TEQIP phase 2 initiated by the Ministry of HRD and the World Bank jointly.