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Wheelchair design with variable posture adjustment and obstacle-overcoming ability

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Abstract

To meet the needs of wheelchair users who wish to change their body posture to facilitate their life and move freely in complex environments, this study designs a wheelchair with functions of posture adjustment and overcoming obstacles. After analysis of these specific needs, the wheelchair structure is designed based on modular design principle to include a chair and mobile module. The chair module comprises back-posture adjustment and sliding mechanisms, and the mobile module comprises front, main, and auxiliary wheel-leg mechanism. In particular, the main and auxiliary wheel-leg mechanisms are the main structures for wheelchair movement. The different schemes are then compared and analyzed. On this basis, the kinematic models of each mechanism are established and the motion performance, including posture adjustment and ability to overcome obstacles, is analyzed in detail. Analysis of the mechanical properties provides a basis for the selection of driving components. The control system is designed, and the prototype of multifunctional wheelchair is developed. Experimental results show that the wheelchair can realize the adjustment of body posture and complete the process of moving up and down steps with good user stability. The wheelchair can considerably facilitate the movement of the disabled or the elderly.

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Funding

This work was supported by the National Science Foundation for Young Scientists of China (Grant No. 51705201).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China

    Meng Ning, Ke Yu & Zhi Wu

  2. Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Food Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China

    Meng Ning, Ke Yu & Zhi Wu

  3. College of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Electronics Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China

    Chuanzhong Zhang & Yanquan Wang

Authors
  1. Meng Ning
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  2. Ke Yu
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  3. Chuanzhong Zhang
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  4. Zhi Wu
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  5. Yanquan Wang
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Contributions

Meng Ning contributed to conceptualization. Chuanzhong Zhang contributed to data curation. Chuanzhong Zhang performed formal analysis. Meng Ning contributed to funding acquisition. Ke Yu and Yanquan Wang conducted investigation. Ke Yu contributed to methodology. Meng Ning was involved in project administration. Zhi Wu contributed software. Meng Ning was involved in writing–review and editing.

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Correspondence to Meng Ning.

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Technical Editor Adriano Almeida Gonçalves Siqueira.

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Ning, M., Yu, K., Zhang, C. et al. Wheelchair design with variable posture adjustment and obstacle-overcoming ability. J Braz. Soc. Mech. Sci. Eng. 43, 197 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40430-021-02921-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40430-021-02921-w

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