Innovations in powered mobility device for hands impaired patients

Power wheelchairs with ‘Intelligent’ Controls are becoming more and more the focus of continuing research in the field of motor control in assistive technologies. The key focus of this research paper is to develop a wheeled mobility device, to help hands impaired people, with limited or no mobility in their lower limbs due to injury or medical conditions, to be comfortably mobile in indoor surroundings.

The primary function of an assistive device is to satisfy the needs of the disabled consumer. Advancement in technology has led to innovations and breakthroughs in the development of transport-safe wheelchairs for the welfare of the immobilized. An assistive mobility device is also sought to match with the individual's environment so as to enable them to meaningfully engage in day-to-day activities.

This paper constitutes an initial step towards the development of a design of a battery powered wheeled mobility device with foot controls for speed control and directional maneuverability based on the specialized concerns of consumers. Finite Element Analysis has also been performed on the frame for stress analysis of structural members.