Design and Development of cost effective All Terrain Stair Climbing Wheel Chair

 It is estimated that around 15% of the global population are living with disabilities. These peoples are often left at the brink of society to resist against discrimination, self-pity and shame. They are often neglected from access to quality education and dignified labor. This not only rises

Project Title

Design and Development of cost effective All Terrain Stair Climbing Wheel Chair

Project Area of Specialization

Mechanical Engineering

Project Summary

 It is estimated that around 15% of the global population are living with disabilities. These peoples are often left at the brink of society to resist against discrimination, self-pity and shame. They are often neglected from access to quality education and dignified labor. This not only rises human rights violation but creates a strong economic argument as well. Pakistan is no such exemption from these issues. According to an official survey of 1998 around 3.2 million people were affected from any form of disability of which 18.93% were crippled. In addition, Pakistan’s ongoing war against the eradication of poliovirus swells these numbers further. The developing infrastructure of both urban and rural areas not only makes the daily commute of people with disabilities difficult but the architecture barriers in buildings such as many Business centers i.e. (malls, banks, plazas) and Government buildings i.e. (courts, municipal corporation, and public universities) are not designed or modified to cater the needs of disable population, which creates an issue of socio-economic discrimination in the country.

Products such as manual and electric assisted wheelchair do exit in the market for a long time now, but the idea of a stair climbing wheelchair is relatively new in this domain. This makes this product unique for its ability and expensive as well.  Companies such as Caterwill and Scalevo do manufacture wheelchair of this niche costing around PKR11,00,000 - PKR14,00,000, which makes this product not viable for the Pakistani market as the average income of a Pakistani house hold is less than PKR 1,70,000 annually, along with lack of development in health insurance and health care sector. The aim of this project is to design and develop an all-terrain stair climbing wheelchair which can be manufactured at a cost-effective price.

Project Objectives

The significant objective of this project is to design and develop an all-terrain stair climbing wheel chair at a viable cost for the Pakistani market, therefore, majority of the parts will be sourced locally as well as interchangeable mechanical parts will be used for cost reduction and easy maintenance in long run. The wheel chair will be developed in compliance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), known as the ISO 7176 series which specifies safety, performance, size, strength and durability of a wheel chair. The wheel chair will be operated using PID based Arduino controller and software interface. A tank mechanism using polymer-based conveyor belt powered by appropriate motors for both maneuvering and stair climbing capability. The wheel chair will be powered by integrated batteries which can be charged from common household sockets. Safety equipment will include seat belts, along with a head support.

Project Implementation Method

1. Theoretical Studies: A thorough literature review will be carried out on the previous work done in the field of stair climbing wheelchair, for which Journals and scholarly articles will be studies. Which will hence help in calculation of the parametric values of the wheelchairs. Course material and books available for the related tasks will also be considered to reach a conclusion.
2. Research Overview: The research work based on development of a stair climbing wheel chair will start with designing of a prototype using simulating software (Solid Works and ANSYS) followed by fabrication of a physical prototype. Required calculation will be done as per development phases keeping in mind the proposed specification. Features such as basic maneuvering capability and basic design will be kept standard or modified according to medical standards. The wheelchair will be designed in a way that it can be used as a normal electric wheel chair as well for the intended for climbing the stairs.
3. Development and Fabrication: Development phase will start with fabricating the frame and pulley after which conveyor-based tank mechanism will be installed, followed by installation of electric motors and wiring. After testing for basic function Arduino controller will be programed and integrated in the system.
4. Experimentation and Survey: Experimentation will include testing using simulation to estimate for the strength of the wheelchair. Actual performance will be determined using real time operation over a period of testing phase to get accurate results. NGO(s) working for the disables may be invited on board to provided testing and feedback.
5. Results Calibration:  Estimated results will be compared with actual results along with feedback from testing phase to modify or improve parametric and performance-based characteristic. Data received from the user/patient will be considered on top priority to make the necessary calibrations.

Benefits of the Project

The project aims to provide a modern solution for people with disabilities, and to uplift their socio-economic status in the society, as it is surveyed that the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is more than double that people who are physically fit. Being an engineer, it is our duty to work in the interest of public health, safety and welfare, this project will prove to be a wise step in that direction. A stair climbing wheelchair can enable a disabled person so much that they can explore a new horizon of opportunities for them and create a better world them and people around them as they overcome the architectural barriers on the way of their success. We aim to provide value and equality in the society.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

1. The chassis or the body of the wheel chair will comprise of 1x1 inch of square iron pipe due to its strength and low cost.
2. The bearings will be sourced locally of standardized size reduce cost and for interchangeability.
3. Double sided timing/conveyor polymer-based belt will be used for tank mechanism
4. A total of 2 electric motors, one for each side of the conveyor will be used. The power will be transmitted used chain sprocket mechanism.
5. A total of 2 dry-cell batteries will be used. Batteries will be sourced locally
6. Arduino controller will be integrated in the wheelchair, an inhouse code will be developed and used through which user can operate the wheelchair using smart-phone for which a smart-phone app interface will be developed as well.
7. The proposed specification includes, the wheelchair can climb at a maximum gradient of 35°- 40° for stairs, maximum-step height of the stairs must not exceed 100mm. The wheelchair will achieve a maximum speed of 7Km/h. Maximum step-height of the stairs must not exceed 100mm.

Final Deliverable of the Project

HW/SW integrated system

Core Industry

Manufacturing

Other Industries

Medical , Transportation , Health

Core Technology

Others

Other Technologies

Sustainable Development Goals

Reduced Inequality

Required Resources

If you need this project, please contact me on contact@adikhanofficial.com