© Kangan Batman TAFE KANGAN ROO Project R&D by Kangan Batman TAFE then collaboration with CATEA Evolution of a concept, research, proof of concept, development, build, research, build, research, collaborate, research, build … Then the hard part commercialise. Design process by Colin Johanson
© Kangan Batman TAFE Identify Need or Problem Electric wheelchairs built to suit large percentile of users – too heavy. Motors inefficient – old technology. Batteries a major weight component. It HAS to look stylish and visually less dominant – see the person not the chair
© Kangan Batman TAFE Rear Wheel Drive Chair
© Kangan Batman TAFE Front Wheel Drive Chair
© Kangan Batman TAFE Mid Wheel Drive Chair
© Kangan Batman TAFE Six Wheel Mid Drive Chair
© Kangan Batman TAFE Sports Manual Chair
© Kangan Batman TAFE Look at Sports Chair for Power Follows body to be less visually obtrusive Light weight frame – power/weight ratio New technology materials – titanium frame Easier to transport, better ride, more compact Apply this thinking to powered solution
© Kangan Batman TAFE Design Timeframe Initial concept imagined of mid wheel, wheelchair with five to six wheels. But needed better motors and batteries – Presented idea to Institute – Research at RESNA Conference – Built Proof of Concept prototype
© Kangan Batman TAFE Kangan Roo Wheelchair – V1 Proof of Concept Prototype Worked better than expected for heavy Lead/acid battery and steel frame – kept secret then shown to Patent Attorney. Provisional Patent eventually formulated from this basis.
© Kangan Batman TAFE Design Concept
© Kangan Batman TAFE Kangan Roo Wheelchair – V2 Second Prototype built With Provisional Patent in place could be developed with students in class. Alloy frame, light NiMH battery, still old heavy wheel gearbox and motor but electric shortening. Won Judges and Viewers Choice Episode Award on ABC The New Inventors program Feb 2006.
© Kangan Batman TAFE Protoype Version 2 Video Play video
© Kangan Batman TAFE Collaboration Search for better hub motors led to s and MNDA with CATIA along with other US manufacturers. Video sent of functional chair. CATIA liked my frame design – collaboration. Prototype motors delivered needed new axles designed, controller modified, new battery pack and charging circuit. New titanium sports frame.
© Kangan Batman TAFE New Prototype Version 3 - Short
© Kangan Batman TAFE New Prototype Version 3 - Long
© Kangan Batman TAFE PREDICTABILITY - Trial