1. Elevator Controller for Individual with Multiple Sclerosis
Team Members: Alison Boumeester, Sara Karle, Michele Lorenz, Ashley Matsick, Peter Strohm
Client: Dr. John Fleming, Department of Neurology, UW-Medical School
Advisor: Professor John Webster, Department of Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison

2. Overview Motivation & Background Problem Statement Prototype
Project Goals
Control Options
Future Work

3. Motivation & Background
Patient fully independent inside apartment (automation)
Mobility impaired by inability to use elevators
Movement limited to head and neck
Existing controls mounted on horizontal bar
Space available
Bar less than 12 inches from user’s chest

4. Problem Statement
Integrate current mechanical prototype into user’s environment
implement adaptive controls
mount controls and prototype on wheelchair
avoid interfering with normal mobility/function

5. Prototype: Spring 2006 Mechanical device includes:
Solenoid & six-bar mechanism for in/out pushing force (A)
Linear actuator for up/down movement (B)
Protective case with actuator guide (C)

6. Project Goals: Fall 2006
Choose adaptive controls based on user’s preferences
Develop circuitry for actuator (latch mode)
Build mounting arm for actuator
Mount and power entire system
Build weatherproof cover

7. Control Array Options Membrane/pad switches
Pros: Low cost, simple circuitry
Cons: Limited application (momentary contact)
Trade-off: size & ease of contact
Tongue(1) or eyebrow(2) switch
Pros: Dual mode
Cons: Comfort, high cost, mounting
(1)
(2)
enablingdevices.com

8. Control Array Options Sip/Puff Switch Ultimate Switch
Pros: Dual mode, fits user preferences, ease of use
Cons: High cost, size of components
Ultimate Switch
Simple operation and mounting, low cost

9. Future Work: Mounting Current wheelchair setup requires:
Mounting device on level part of chair
Location between thigh & feet
No interference with chair function
Width of device & wheelchair
Movement of rotating leg rests

10. Future Work: Weatherproofing
& Power
Develop strong, removable cover
Device components exposed, fragile
Weather
Physical damage to device/surroundings
Allow for maintenance
Integrate components (switches and prototype) with chair
Two existing 12 V batteries

11. Questions?