Group 310: DriDrive
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Team Leader
Lead Mechanical Engineer
Financial Advisor
Lead Electrical Engineer
Head Coder and Web Developer
The purpose of this project is to design and build a device that will protect wheelchair users during rain and harsh sunlight. Currently there are no safe and easy options for wheelchair users to protect themselves from harsh weather conditions. Staying dry during the rain is the most important aspect for our users. Because of this, we created a motorized wheelchair attachment that is activated by a phone. We focused our design on accessibility and safety for our users. Our final design is secured on the back of the motorized wheelchair. The device deploys an automatic water resistant canvas to protect the user from the weather conditions by completely covering the user. The canvas will be held by PVC tubing that the end user will be able to assemble out of the box. Once assembled, a single motor will drive the canopy. Our device will be connected to the user's phone through Bluetooth. The app will require minimal input from the user to operate the device. The battery life will be long lasting and wireless charging will also be used to allow for e ase of charging. All electronics are stored in a wood box that is water resistant. As powered wheelchair users face many different challenges than other people, this device will allow for quick and easy protection from daily weather making their lives easier with little upkeep of the device and without getting in the user’s way.
Over 3.6 million people in the United States use a wheelchair
Rain and intense sunlight are major proplblems wheelchair users are constantly dealing with
There are virtually no market solutions out there to assist those in wheelchairs with harsh weather and there exist no automated solution for wheelchair umbrellas.
The objective of this project is To design a power umbrella for Wheelchair users to use operated via “smart element” (bluetooth, in app operation). The umbrella should be user friendly, lightweight, portable, and discert when not in use.
| Question | Answer | Interpreted Need |
|---|---|---|
| What features must be in this design? | Must have a “smart” element whether it be voice activated or controlled through a phone | Must use a microcontroller to automate process |
| How should user open umbrella? | Needs to have a smart element, preferably through phone | Device needs to connect to phone |
| Should the device be universal to all wheelchairs? | Should focus on one chair for the design while thinking of how device could be attached to other chairs | Product should fit the standard range of electric wheelchairs |
| How long should the battery last? | Depends on how much energy it takes to raise the umbrella | Battery should be powerful enough to lift umbrella several times within a day |
| How strong of a storm should we design for? | The device should designed for a regular storm users shouldn’t be going out in extreme weather | Device should be robust but not extra fortified |
| How should the device interface with phone? | Current microcontroller at school can use bluetooth allowing anyone within range to connect | Security measures should be added so only the user can connect to the device |
| How much area should the umbrella cover? | The umbrella ideally would keep the full body dry at all stages of the process | Umbrella should cover user and a drainage system may be needed to funnel excess water |
| What extra features should be included? | Function and aesthetic is more important than any add ons | Extra components should be considered last |
