Standing Assistance Mechanism of Wheelchair

Due to aging, instability and different problems occur due to functional decline and post-fall injuries like spinal cord, lower limb surgery. To prevent pressure ulcer for long period of sitting standing assistance mechanism was designed. A standing position can give wheelchair users a sense of conf

Project Title

Standing Assistance Mechanism of Wheelchair

Project Area of Specialization

Mechanical Engineering

Project Summary

Due to aging, instability and different problems occur due to functional decline and post-fall injuries like spinal cord, lower limb surgery. To prevent pressure ulcer for long period of sitting standing assistance mechanism was designed. A standing position can give wheelchair users a sense of confidence and equality through face-to-face communication with non-disabled person. So we decided to make a project that helps disable person to contribute in the development of Pakistan. We understand the working of previous working on standing wheelchairs. We came to know about different methods involving the use of electric linear actuators, hydraulic linear actuators, screw jack mechanism which are used to obtain the desired motion.

 We designed a wheelchair on creo parametric in which seat achieving standing motion through chain and sprocket mechanism powered by a geared motor with the help of battery, when the chain is pulled downward by the rotation of motor standing position is achieved and when it rotates in counterclockwise again the position is changed and it is back to the previous position.

We will analyze it by proper meshing and see the stress distribution on the various parts and will try to enhance its stability. In our designed mechanism a smooth motion is achieved. Its design is comparatively more stable and reliable as compared to others.

Project Objectives

Our main focus is to design a assistance mechanism of a standing wheelchair for:

• People who cannot properly sit and stand in a comfortable way due to knee problems.
• People with spinal cord problems.
• To determine the energy system that provides the power to change the form of the wheelchair operational part.
• Design the controlling system to monitor the wheelchair’s working.
• Usage of local spare parts i.e chain and sprocket in achieving our motion  instead of importing linear actuators making it economical.
• Compact and high strength design in attaining smooth motion.

Project Implementation Method

We preferred to use locally available components rather than importing electric actuators to make it costly economical. We designed a wheelchair on creo parametric achieving standing motion through chain and sprocket mechanism powered by a geared motor with the help of battery. A frame is fabricated upon which there is seat and backrest would be adjusted, the seat is joined via pin connection with the frame so that it can rotate over there and then chain is fixed to the seat passing over the sprockets when the chain is pulled downward by the rotation of motor standing position is achieved and when it rotates in counterclockwise again the position is changed  and it is back to the previous position . Limit switches are used to limit the rotation of motor up to the point where it attained its desired positions, it can be powered by the use of joystick . 

In our designed mechanism a smooth motion is achieved. Its design is comparatively more stable and reliable as compared to others.

Benefits of the Project

   The functional benefits of asistance mechanism of standing wheel include 

• A raised and enlarged workspace.
• Being able to stand may thus increase independence and enhance employment and leisure opportunities.
• Standing wheelchair users find they have more energy, enhanced functional ability, and greater independence.
• Allowing easy use of kitchen counters and appliances and access to overhead cabinets or grocery store shelves.
• From a physical wellness perspective, RESNA reports that more frequent standing can help maintain organ capacity, as well as reduce the occurrence of urinary tract infections.
• Pressure sores occur from constant pressure on one area of the body. Being able to stand up in a wheelchair helps distribute your weight and improve healing of bed sores.
• One of the most important functions of wheelchairs that help you stand up, is the ability to help blood circulate around the body. When you sit or in one place for too long, blood begins to pool and stagnate, reducing circulation to other parts of the body that need it.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

We designed a mechanism to achieve standing posture of wheelchair from sitting posture. In our designed mechanism posture change is achieved by the use of sprocket and chain.  It includes ideal sprockets on shafts and motor is connected to one shaft which drives the whole mechanism. Its frame is made of aluminum pipes. Rear wheels are such that they can be easily rotated manually for the sake of the user.

  A heavy duty geared motor is used which is magnetically locked when the supply is cut off. Sprocket of standard sizes are selected along with their respective chain. When the chain is pulled downward by the rotation of motor standing position is achieved and when it rotates in counterclockwise again the position is changed and it is back to the previous position . Limit switches are used to limit the rotation of motor up to the point so that the chain moves where it attains its desired positions. Also this design is stable as compared to one's in which electric actuator is used to perform standing function.

People with standing postures have a higher level of confidence than people sitting in wheelchairs. To boost the confidence level and gain benefits there is a need for the standing wheelchair to counterbalance the physical or mental negative effects of constant sitting. A standing position can give wheelchair users a sense of confidence and equality through face-to-face communication with non-disabled person. So we decided to make a project that helps disable person to contribute in the development of Pakistan.

Final Deliverable of the Project

HW/SW integrated system

Core Industry

Manufacturing

Other Industries

Health

Core Technology

Others

Other Technologies

Sustainable Development Goals

Required Resources

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