All Terrain Power Chair (ATPC)
By Geller, Traci; Fitzhugh, Troy; Nelson, Joe; Rehn, Nathanael; RESNA 2011 Student Design Competition,Publication Date: April 27, 2011
Paper presents an indoor-outdoor power wheelchair that functions in rough off road terrains. The All Terrain Power Chair is driven by tracks that are substituted for the wheels on traditional wheelchairs, thereby increasing the chair’s stability and traction in all terrains. The device is controlled electrically with a user-controlled joystick as well as a wireless option. The unit is also furnished with twin twelve volt batteries connected in series, which power two direct current (DC) electric gear reduction motors as well as a linear actuator used for seat adjustment. The chair is capable of transporting a passenger weighing up to 300 pounds, suitable to fit through a standard 36 inch doorway, and able to climb a standard curb and climb a 30 percent grade, while providing a variable top speed of 7 miles per hour. Future plans for optimizing the design of the chair are discussed. The article includes a short video demonstrating the chair being driven over snow, climbing obstacles, and being maneuvered through doorways and into an elevator. The All Terrain Power Chair was designed by engineering students at South Dakota State University who entered it in the RESNA 2011 Student Design Competition.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
Link to text: http://aac-rerc.psu.edu/wordpressmu/RESNA-SDC/2011/04/27/all-terrain-power-chair-atpc-south-dakota-state-university/
