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The wheelchairs of the future need to be versatile, multifunctional, stable, lightweight and sturdy. The main issues for the user: independence, respect, and practicality. Below are a few of the designs that our team came up with for future wheelchairs. Some are very visionary and others slove a practical problem that exists today.
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The OuterBot is a cheap, simple pre-exoskelaton device that allows handicapped individuals to stand and walk. It uses a mini joystick controls like modern wheelchairs. It is powered from new long-lasting lithium batteries. New discoveries in battery size and longevity make this possible. Walking control is achieved with the use of sensors and gyroscopes for balance. The main frame is made from titanium, but the rest of the smaller parts are of a chrome alloy for price concerns. Small computer chips control the supporting structure which is controlled by the user with the hand and arm muscle movement. |
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| HoverChair: This futuristic wheelchair will be very simple. It will have two fans located underneath to body that when activated produce lift in a flexible skirt surrounding the body and the craft hovers about two inches off the ground. If you are traveling over dirt or sand the skirt has a inner bevel that can catch the dust blown up and gently deposit it back on the ground behind you as you go. This will prevent eye injuries. Comfort is another issue. The padding in the chair will be very comfortable. Located behind the chair will be a spring, just for a little reclining. There will be a button you can push which will release a lock for the spring. On either side there will be arm rests and cup holders. In case of emergency there are handles in the back that can be used to lift the craft to put it in a car. There are also a track of wheels underneath on both sides. The craft is powered by batteries that charge up during the day using solar power. The fans work from the hidden solar panels all over the wheelchair. If you are cruising around at night the energy you collected during the day was stored in a battery. If you are going on a road trip the chair conveniently folds. The foot pedals will fold onto the seat and then the back will fold down and press the button to lock it. Then just store it in a trunk or on the roof of the car. |
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Practical Solutions
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| Large wheels let this chair move easily. The table top that slides up and down provides students with a place to do school work. Each side has a file box for school papers and books. The backpack hook swivels either to the left or right for easy access The hard foam filled tires and suspension in the legs make the ride easy and comfortable. |
Extra small wheels in the front and back allow for moving on grass, rocks, or dirt. Your backpack fits nicely under the seat along with any small necessary items. The foldable table pulls out from the side. A handle in the back folds the chair up and makes it easy to transport. |
Four wheels that can turn 90˚ in both directions allow fitting into tight doorways. The top cover provides shade for outside. All wheels are solid rubber to prevent blowouts. The four smaller wheels can lift the device up to get it over obstacles using hydraulic pumps. Four thirty-two volt batteries can be charged for all day service. Two sheets of aluminum and two inch square tubing provide support |
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This revolutionary suit will allow a person without the use of their legs to actually walk. The suit is an ultra thin polymer material that contains a network grid of sensory wires controlled by computer chips. The wires send messages directly to the muscles stimulating them and producing movement. The sensory 'shocks' are painless and are controlled with a small keypad installed in the hands. By merely moving your fingers and muscles in the arm, the user can produce leg movements. This is designed for people who cannot move their legs but they still have arm movement and some back strength. The back area is fortified with a grid of muscle wires that provide support when activated.
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| The Bio-Mech suit needs no other power source except the movement of your muscles. When you pump your arms your legs make a walking motion. The faster you pump the faster you move. You can also use the cpu chip to switch from walking to running, sitting and lying down. |
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Gravity Repelling Wheelchair (GRW)
The GRW has a motor which powers magnets which repels gravity to hover. The motor runs on nuclear waste. The engine uses tiny amounts of nuclear waste contained in very small pellets. It has a joystick to control the wheelchair direction and a throttle control for speed. The top speed is 15 m.p.h. Of course a seat belt for safely reasons is included. Hovering allows for all terrain travel. Materials are lightweight and cost effective.
Fly It Away Chair
This is the helicopter chair. It has 3 blades on top that spin to lift you off of the ground. They can conveniently fold up to allow the chair to fit through smaller areas. It also has wheels that come out of the landing gear for ground movement. It runs on nitrogen that gets sucked through a vent and converted to fuel. The chair is mainly for outside travel but can be used in doors when in its compact mode.
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