Biomedical Research

Wheelchair technology is one of the most significant technologies in biomechanics sector. The demand of Electric Powered Wheelchairs (EPWs) has been increasing due to improving the lifestyles of patients suffering from one or more disabilities, including motor control problems, spinal injuries, arthritis, balance disorders and amputation under the term of rehabilitation technologies. Hence, the healthcare research has made several plans for improving control of EPW to provide well-being, and safety by minimal cost. On the other hand, Reserve Engineering (RE) is a powerful technique for creating a new model to uncover the features of commercial products and enhance them. As such, we applied RE to develop a functional model through teardowns that designed by SolidWorks 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) software to provide the full specifications of EPW. Moreover, we implemented an Arduino microcontroller to change the EPW directionality by using a joystick. This model evaluates the flexibility and wireless control of EPW by adding further improvements such as an ultrasonic sensor and Bluetooth connection. Ultrasonic sensor acts as an emergency stop switch to notify the patient when roaming close to an obstacle as a safety precaution. Bluetooth connection device allows the patient to remotely control the electric wheelchair if it was out of reach or there’s no one close to assist. The main characteristic of our model is mobility performance without depending on others’ help that based on an affordable cost.

Author(s): Mai S. Mabrouk, Samir Y. Marzouk, Heba M. Afify
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