When the lockdown started due to Covid-19, one of the main concerns was addressing our boredom. Family hikes were not an option, as we had a wheelchair user. The wheelchairs that are currently available are not COVID-19 safe. The objective of this project is to make a prototype of an all-purpose wheelchair that modifies an existing manual wheelchair to ensure the wheelchair is Covid-19-safe, all-terrain, and self-elevating. With an all-purpose wheelchair, the user not only can safely and easily accomplish daily tasks and activities but also is able to independently move around in parks and other areas to address the boredom during pandemics. These features greatly enhance the quality of life of a wheelchair-bound person. There are wheelchairs that are all-purpose, however, they fail to reach a wide population because they are financially not viable. To address the Covid-19 safety, a lever and gear mechanism is used to turn the wheel with minimum exposure of the hands to the virus, a key measure of safety during the pandemic. The gear ensures that the wheel moves with the minimal force exerted by the user. To address the all-terrain criteria, the continuous track mechanism is used to enable the wheelchair to navigate through the all-terrain. The continuous track is cost-effective, as it is made of PVC and daily household materials. To address the self-elevating criteria, a scissor lift and hydraulic pump is used to create a self-elevating wheelchair. The hydraulic pump eases the force the user has to apply to raise themselves. The innovations were implemented using readily available equipment and materials making it economically viable and reachable to millions around the world who are otherwise unable to afford an automated and expensive wheelchair.
