Automatic Manual Wheelchair

Group Members Justin Graham - Civil Zack Tarr - Mechanical Brett Reede - Chemical Liam MacDonald - Electrical Carli Spears - Mechanical Brett Ferrari - Chemical

The Problem There is no light weight, cost efficient, portable, automatic/manual wheelchair for the general market.

Consulting Target Market and Establishing a Need for a Solution Consulted the following people with wheelchair experience: Dillon MacMillan Nolan O'Reilly Gary Matty After consulting, the consensus was: Automatic for long distances Maneuverable for smaller spaces Light weight and foldable for travel Low cost.

Competitors Automatic Automated wheelchairs have a variety of functions including: Movement based on an electric motor Good for long distances Non-folding Four-wheeled or six-wheeled Automatic Wheelchairs range from $1650.00 to $4780.00 Standing Wheelchair -Used to increase mobility using hydraulics. Tilt Wheelchair -Provides pressure relief and used for those with limited ability to sit in a standard wheelchair.

Problems With Automatic Wheelchairs Expensive ($1650.00 to $4780.00) Heavy (ranges from 100lbs to 400lbs) Difficult to maneuver and transport Limited range due to battery life

Competitors Manual Manual wheelchairs can be used for: Short distances Increasing cardiovascular activity These wheelchairs are known for being lighter than automatic and they are usually foldable and easily transported. The costs of manual wheelchairs range from $100.00 to $2235.00 Ultra Lightweight -Easy to transport, but limited weight support. Transport Wheelchair -Used for shorter trips, designed to get user from point A to B, light and small. Reclining Wheelchair -Used if difficult to stay in an upright position. Not as easily transported.

Problems with Manual Wheelchairs Tiring to constantly move the wheels manually Impractical for severely injured individuals Fragile

Solution We want to create a wheelchair that is: Lightweight and foldable Both manual and electric powered Steering and breaking Affordable?

Our Idea: The A.M.W The idea we propose is a wheelchair that has the advantages of both automatic and manual wheelchairs. Our goal is to create a wheelchair that is more cost effective and lighter than automatic wheelchairs but retains a motor unlike a manual wheelchair. We plan on designing a wheelchair that can be switched quickly between manual use to automatic powered by motors.

The Design The Motor The Battery Speed Controller Accessories Building Supplies

Initial Stage Acquire and Model a Wheelchair Wheelchair acquired was a Drive Med 77224200 Wheelchair Removeable Arms Rated for 450lbs 22 Inch Seat https://www.amazon.com/dp/b00q5cg006/ref=asc_df_b00q5cg0064812355?

Fabrication and Analysis of Arm Rests and Back Sheet

Attachment of Motor and Battery

Motor and Battery Options The chair will be powered by independent left and right motors with two rechargeable 12V batteries wired in series. The cost of motors is quite variant due to the variety of motors on the market and how their capabilities depend on their intended use. We are shopping for the best possible motor within our budget. Batteries increase in price as their voltage and lifetime increase. Our goal is to optimize the batteries weight and life span well retaining a reasonable cost.

Addition of Speed Controllers Steering will be made possible with levers that vary the rotational velocities of each motor independently. The levers will be mounted on each arm rest. The speed controller lever controls the current running in the motor. A speed controller should be inexpensive and if we are unable to locate one at a reasonable price we will make one ourselves using variable resistors.

Brakes Will modify a pair of bike brakes in order to attach to the main back wheels Brakes will be placed at the bottom of the wheel to avoid interference when in manual operation Cosmetics Addition of logo on back rest Cleaning of metal surfaces Possible paint job Headlights for night travel Brakes and Cosmetics

Final Design The installation of electrical components that will be mounted to the wheelchair is not finalized at this stage in the design process. The installation of a back sheet in this design would be additional weight due to the steel sheet and it would impede the folding of the chair. This could be avoided with the use of hinges on the back sheet but may not be feasible due to the bulk of the battery and motor.

Cost Analysis PART ESTIMATED COST ($) Motor 75-150 Battery 25-75 Speed Controllers 25-50 Accessories 0-20 Building Materials 0-30 Total 125-325

Notable Dates Feb 10th Proposal Due Feb 16th Order Parts Feb 17th Structural Analysis Complete March 6th Progress Report 1 Complete March 20th Installed Motor and Batteries March 20th Progress Report 2 Complete March 27th Installation of Arm Rests and Back Sheet April 3rd Installation of Brakes and Cosmetics April 3rd Final Report and Presentation April 3rd Website

Gantt Chart of Tasks

Resources Steven MacDonald (Machinist) Paul Doiron, P.Eng Dr. Emeka Oguejiofor, FEC, P.Eng. Dr. Miguel Balzán Ph.D. Dr. Frank Comeau, Ph.D., P.Eng. Possible Suppliers (See Sources)

Any Questions?