Innovative High-Performance Motorized Wheelchair

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Innovative High-Performance Motorized Wheelchair

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/84444.php

Tekniker-Ik4, with the help of the Benevolent Fund of the Kutxa

Bank, has created the NOA prototype of a wheelchair with state-of-

the-art specifications.

From the very, first special emphasis has been placed on the final

result of the project incorporating innovative functions and

adapting to the real needs of the end users. To this end, special

attention has been given to the initial phase of the definition of

requirements, involving an exhaustive analysis of functions provided

by the motorised wheelchairs and taking into account suggestions by

users' groups such Gene, Elkartu and Bidaideak and other persons

affected by various disabilities. In this way, the " living in a

wheelchair " initiative was launched which has enabled a number of

researchers involved in the project to " feel " the deficiencies of

current wheelchairs.

In the product development phase to date, it was clearly understood

that, with the results obtained, the posterior manufacturing and

marketing phases would have to be viable. NOA is now ready to

continue.

NOA is the prototype of a comprehensive, modular and adaptable

motorised wheelchair that incorporates important innovations from a

mecatronics perspective and integrates advanced functions based on

new technologies.

* Comprehensive, undertaking the design and development of all the

mechanical elements of the wheelchair, the wheels, the motors and

the batteries, except the seat (a multipurpose interface has been

incorporated for mounting different types of seats according to the

needs and preferences of users).

* Modular, combining various functions to facilitate its adaptation

to the different problems and needs of users. Each final

configuration may be designed to include only the devices and

modules needed to operate the desired functions without this

affecting the overall operation of the wheelchair.

* Adaptable, enabling the gradual incorporation of new functions.

NOA is amongst the state-of-the-art range of wheelchairs with

additional functions which go beyond the mere transport of users and

is aimed at facilitating the activities of their daily lives.

One of the main ideas proposed is that of wheelchair be an interior-

exterior one, overcoming the contradictory specifications to date

whereby, on the one hand, a wheelchair is small sized (width-length)

in order to pass through doorways, travel in lifts or have a small

turning circle, etc, and, on the other, have good stability, a good

surface grip and a certain ability to overcome obstacles (mainly

edges), when used outside. In general, users of motorised

wheelchairs also have a manual wheelchair for use in interiors,

given its greater manoeuvrability. The characteristics of the new

wheelchair enable users to operate a single machine in all the

ambits of their daily lives.

The design challenge was met by developing an extension mechanism

that enables the equipping of the NOA with variable geometry as a

function of the needs of the moment, providing high manoeuvrability

in its compact position in interiors and small spaces (smaller

turning circle for use in lifts and restricted spaces, less width

for negotiating narrow doorways and so on) and maximum stability in

its extended position for use outside (greater width and greater

separation between front and rear axles, while maintaining the

overall length of the wheelchair).

NOA also incorporates vertical seat movement, both above and below

the driving position, a feature not available in current market

models. The vertical positioning of the seat above the driving

position enables the users to reach high objects, gain access to

counters, have conversations at different heights, etc. Being able

to lower oneself from the usual driving position enables access to

standard tables and desks, eat with a more suitable posture, pick

objects up from the floor, etc. Moreover, the sum of both these

movements enables lateral transferences at different heights to be

carried out, thus reducing both the physical effort required by

users or their helpers or carers as well as the need for additional

devices such as transfer cranes.

NOA has the same adjustable directional tilting specification so

that the user can change position without discomfort or rigidity in

the joints, as well as avoid body sores, due to the fact that the

points of support for the body can be changed.

The technology developed enables the integration of a single device

to operate both the vertical movement of the seat as well as its

directional tilting. NOA also incorporates another series of

function, based on new technologies, aimed at increasing safety

(automatic calls to emergency services and/or to family members for

detection of falls by the user or the wheelchair overturning,

detection of obstacles and anti-collision systems), manoeuvrability

(semi-automatic help in the manoeuvre for negotiating edges) and

facilitating control (remote control and pre-programmed

itineraries).

Two patents have been taken out to protect the innovations

incorporated into the design of this new wheelchair, specifically

referring to the mechanisms of extension and to the

lifting/directional tilting.