Introduction:
The wheelchair has become a blessing for most individuals with mobility impairments since its previous introduction. As time changed, the requirement of wheelchair also changed to meet the needs of different classes of patients. Much research has been carried out in this field and aims to meet these requirements. So many problems are faced by bedridden patients that sometimes they feel lonely and want a change in their environment. Common wheelchair is used by them but this wheelchair moves by manual means. This is where the importance of the automatic wheelchair and bed arises as it does not require a caretaker. Recent developments in robotics, artificial intelligence and sensor technology promise enormous scope in the development of advanced wheelchairs. In order to overcome the problems, it is necessary to design an automatic wheelchair with bed with suitable features. The automatic wheelchair with bed consists of a wheelchair that can be converted into a full bed. Automatic wheelchair with bed can be controlled by joystick, remote control, etc.
A power wheelchair or electric wheelchair is a wheelchair that is powered by an electric motor rather than manual power. Power wheelchairs are useful for those who cannot propel a manual wheelchair or who may need to use a wheelchair for distances or terrain in a manual wheelchair. They can also be used not only by people with conventional mobility impairments, but also by people with cardiovascular and fatigue problems. Electric wheelchairs have improved the quality of life of many people with physical disabilities through the mobility they provide. Electric chair selection will depend on many factors; including the type of surface on which the chair will be driven, the need to accommodate thresholds and curbs and the free widths in the usual environment. The chair's most fundamental function is to receive input from the user, usually in the form of a small joystick, and move the person in the preferred direction. In recent years, we have seen numerous improvements and models that provide the user with unparalleled control of the wheelchair, both in terms of user effort and vehicle suitability.
Problem formulation:
- Difficulty transferring the patient from the wheelchair to the bed.
- Discomfort felt by patients when remaining seated for a long time.
- Paraplegic patients.
Goal:
- The objective of this project is to analyze and prototype an automated wheelchair with bed, based on an existing smart wheelchair, with extensive fact-finding and research on existing models, technology used, market scenario and customer requirements.
- Improves balance and postural stability in the elderly. It can easily convert sleeping position from sitting position.
Automatic Wheelchair and Bed – Mechanical ProjectMethodology:
- The course of our work begins with the planning phase which involves initial research, literature survey and background study.
- It is followed by the concept generation phase which includes evaluation of the existing wheelchair, customer requirements and concept designs.
- We prototyped the full-bed wheelchair using a pneumatic system using pressure of 2 to 5 bar and advanced in testing a viable model.
- Collection of all equipment and materials required for the overall wheelchair and bed improvement setup.
- Formation of a lightweight wheelchair with bed frame that would support up to 80-90 kg.
- Successfully coding a specific program, which would run the device directionally using joystick and head movement.
- Implementation and connection of all equipment such as motors, microcontroller, joystick, accelerometer and other sensors with each other.
- Implementation of pneumatic cylinders, which would convert the wheelchair into a bed and raise the wheelchair to an adjustable height.
Scope of improvement:
Automatic wheelchair with bed has a wide range of scope in the following areas:
- People with physical disabilities can use it according to their purposes. People who can use their hands can use the Joystick.
- People suffering from certain paralysis can use head movement or Bluetooth module as needed.
- Patients in Hospitals
- People in nursing homes can use this chair as per their need
- Focus on mobility assistance for bedridden people
Other improvements:
- We can attach a mini compressor to the wheelchair itself that provides easy movement and comfort when adjusting the height and bed of the wheelchair.
- The solar panel roof can be used as an alternative energy source and can also be a protective layer from rain and sun.
- Through this system, the wheelchair will travel to the destination indicated by the patient using GPS technology. This technology is currently used in driverless cars in several countries.
- By using suitable sensors we can predict the nearby objects and this facilitates the movement of the wheelchair.
FACULTY: ALVA INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, MOODBIDRI
BRANCH: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
GUIDE: PROF. DEEPAK KOTHARI
STUDENTS: MR. MUHAMMED SHAFEEQUE TP
SIR. MUHASID P.
SIR. SHYAM MS
SIR. I FEEL SUNNY
