Wheelchair Warning System Client Advisor Sandra Rodriguez Prof. John Webster Team Members Farshad Fahimi Jimmy Fong Tyler Witt Yik Ning Wong

Overview Problem Statement Background Information Summary of Product Design Specs. Design Alternatives Future Work

Problem Statement Our client’s daughter, Jessica, suffers from cerebral palsy and is unable to vocally identify herself. Her mother, Sandra Rodriguez, assists her daughter around on a daily basis and has requested that we develop an audible warning system to inform others of her daughter’s presence.

Background Cerebral Palsy (CP) Spastic: most common form of CP; characterized by stiff, jerky movements Ataxic: associated with balance problems, shaky hand movements, and irregular speech Athetoid: unwanted movements; loss of posture Current Warning Method – Verbal Ineffective in large crowds Speech impairment

PDS Summary Client Requirements Audible warning system to alert oncoming pedestrians Intuitive design that can be activated by both Jessica and her mother Must be mounted on right arm of wheelchair Device must not add considerable bulk or affect everyday operation of wheelchair

Previous Designs Elizabethtown College Proximity sensors used to detect stationary objects Over-activation of sensors in crowded areas Patents Patents have been issued describing devices emitting an audible tone for wheelchair users in distress U.S. Patent # 5,791,761

Design 1: Dual Control Panels Two consoles - Arm rest and handle Separate switches for each function Single circuit, single power supply SOUNDLIGHTLIGHTS & SOUND

Schematic for single console Design 1: Dual Control Panels Advantages Versatility Cost effective User controlled Disadvantages Diodes needed Cumbersome consoles

Design 2: Infrared Sensor Infrared Sensor Detect proximity Lights and sound activate Modified parking sensor design

Design 2: Infrared Sensor Advantages Detect inanimate objects Adjustable range with warning zones Automated Disadvantages Costly Unreliable No user activation Warning zones

Design 3: Two-way Switches Two consoles - Arm rest and handle Separate switches for each function Double circuit and double power supply

Design 3: Two-way Switches Advantages Cost effective Easy to operate Circuit malfunctions easily found Disadvantages More batteries are needed Schematic for circuit design at a console Light Buzzer

Design Matrix

Final Design : Two-way Switches Clamps to wheelchair handle Light Switch Contains circuitry 9V power source Palm contour Top viewSide viewFront view

Future Work Further circuit research and development Analyze wheelchair Examine product in use

Conclusion References Bicycle Lights. Tireflys. Date Accessed: 14 Sept Küschall Mobility. Küschall. Date Accessed: 25 Sept Proximity Sensors. Date Accessed: 11 Oct US Patent Database. Date Accessed: 12 Oct Wheelchair Picture. Butler Disabilities. Date Accessed: 11 Oct

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