Design and implement an electric wheelchair prototype for teaching handling, driving, and orientation to people with physical limitations and older adults

Abstract

This project is carried out to help people with physical limitations or older adults in the process of independence and reintegration into society. The controller system was proposed to be redesigned, implemented, put into operation, and adapted to the chassis for the SUNRISE MEDICAL brand wheelchair model QUICKIE Z- 500. The system is composed of management modules (local, wireless). The local management module is in charge of interpreting the signals coming from the joystick to move the wheelchair in four directions: forward, backward, left, and right. The local joystick governs the chair's movement speed in each direction and will depend on how fast you can go according to the established norms. The wireless management module fulfills a function similar to the local control with the difference that it has preset speeds for each direction since it is necessary to have greater security for handling. The local control module comprises various stages, mainly the control stage that will communicate on the Sabertooth Driver, corresponding to the power stage. Due to the requirement to power the components, two acid batteries, each of 12 Volts, were used.