Design and Analysis of a Manually Powered Wheelchair Capable of Traversing Steps by Pneumatic Actuation

Abstract

A new wheelchair capable of negotiating steps with a height of up to 10 cm has been developed. Pneumatic pumps are installed on its rear wheels. The pneumatic pumps generate pressurized air, with the pressure proportional to the extent of rear wheel rotation, and supply it to a reservoir. Travel over a distance of about 12 m is needed to reach full pressure. The required air is introduced from the reservoir into two driving cylinders, fixed to the front support frames of the wheelchair, that lift the front wheels. The operation is performed by manipulation of the braking levers. Our experimental design system shows the feasibility of using pneumatic pumps for such lifting.