A Kinematic Study of Convertible Wheelchair and Amalgamation With the IoT Features

Wheelchairs have become an integral part of daily lives of many disabled and injured people since their advent. They have provided a significant value in terms of improvement of living standards. The main objective of this proposed work is to provide an efficient and easy solution for accomplishing the complex functions of convertible wheelchair (especially the Propulsion and Conversion mechanism) by proposing, designing and evaluating a novel wheelchair mechanism. Furthermore, the work also proposes an (IoT) Internet of Things based framework of controlling various functions of chair. The key design features of proposed model of wheelchair includes easy conversion (from chair to stretcher and vice versa), an easier propulsion mechanism and proposed integration with few loT based features. The CAD model was prepared and found to be extremely satisfactory in terms of all above said parameters. It has also shown its value for money, considering the fabrication simplicity, utilization of very basic mechanisms and low-cost spare parts. The spare parts utilized are easily available in the marketplace which further provides the value addition to the project. Lastly, several approaches to add the loT features, which could further enhance the credibility of product, have been discussed and reviewed.