An Electric Wheelchair with Function of Climbing up and down a Step

Abstract:

A new electric four-wheel wheelchair with function of climbing up and down a step is proposed. Each wheel has four telescopic rods driven by a ratchet mechanism which makes them stretchable. They retract into each wheel during the wheelchair moves on the flat roads. They stretch out of each wheel to overcome a step obstacle during the wheelchair encounters the steps and thresholds. The center of gravity and angular position of the seat relative to the horizontal axis can be adjusted simultaneously during climbing up and down a step or moving on the uphill or downhill road sections. The actual test of climbing up and down a height 15 cm step has been done successfully on condition of carrying a weight 85 kg person. This new electric wheelchair makes users more safe and scopes of activity of the elderly and those with disabilities wider.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volumes 479-480)
• Pages: 304-308
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.479-480.304
• Online since: December 2013
• Authors: Ren Chung Soong, Sun Li Wu, Jui Min Lee
• Keywords: Climbing-Stair, Electric Wheelchair, Wheelchair

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