Wheelchair Warning System

Client AdvisorSandra Rodriguez Prof. John Webster

Team MembersFarshad Fahimi

Jimmy Fong

Tyler Witt

Yik Ning Wong

OverviewProblem StatementBackground InformationSummary of Product Design Specs.Design AlternativesFuture Work

Problem StatementOur client’s daughter, Jessica, suffers from cerebral palsy and is unable to vocally identify herself. Her mother, Sandra Rodriguez, assists her daughter around on a daily basis and has requested that we develop an audible warning system to inform others of her daughter’s presence.

Background Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Spastic: most common form of CP; characterized by stiff, jerky movements

Ataxic: associated with balance problems, shaky hand movements, and irregular speech

Athetoid: unwanted movements; loss of posture

Current Warning Method – Verbal Ineffective in large crowds Speech impairment

PDS SummaryClient Requirements

Audible warning system to alert oncoming pedestrians

Intuitive design that can be activated by both Jessica and her mother

Must be mounted on right arm of wheelchair

Device must not add considerable bulk or affect everyday operation of wheelchair

Previous DesignsElizabethtown College

Proximity sensors used to detect stationary objectsOver-activation of sensors in crowded areas

PatentsPatents have been issued describing devices emitting an audible tone for wheelchair users in distress U.S. Patent # 5,791,761

Design 1: Dual Control Panels

Two consoles - Arm rest and handleSeparate switches for each functionSingle circuit, single power supply

SOUNDLIGHT LIGHTS & SOUND

Schematic for single console

Design 1: Dual Control Panels

AdvantagesVersatilityCost effective User controlled

Disadvantages Diodes neededCumbersome consoles

Design 2: Infrared Sensor

Infrared SensorDetect proximityLights and sound activateModified parking sensor design

Design 2: Infrared SensorAdvantages

Detect inanimate objectsAdjustable range with warning zonesAutomated

Disadvantages CostlyUnreliableNo user activation

Warning zones

Design 3: Two-way Switches

Two consoles - Arm rest and handleSeparate switches for each functionDouble circuit and double power supply

Design 3: Two-way Switches

AdvantagesCost effectiveEasy to operateCircuit malfunctions easily found

DisadvantagesMore batteries are needed Schematic for circuit

design at a console

Light

Buzzer

Design Matrix

Dual Control Panels

I nf rared Two-way Switches

Ease 6 10 8

Cost 6 2 7

Saf ety 5 8 8

Reliability 4 3 9

Eff ectiveness 8 3 8

Total 29 26 40

Final Design : Two-way Switches

Clamps to wheelchair handle

Light Switch

Contains circuitry 9V power source

Palm contour

Top view

Side view

Front view

Future WorkFurther circuit research and development

Analyze wheelchair

Examine product in use

ConclusionReferences

Bicycle Lights. Tireflys. Date Accessed: 14 Sept 2005 http://www.tireflys.com.Küschall Mobility. Küschall. Date Accessed: 25 Sept 2005. http://www.kuschallna.com/.Proximity Sensors. Date Accessed: 11 Oct 2005. http://www.parkingsensors.co.uk. US Patent Database. Date Accessed: 12 Oct 2005. http://www.uspto.gov/patft/.Wheelchair Picture. Butler Disabilities. Date Accessed: 11 Oct 2005. http://www.butler.edu/disabilities.

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