The first automatic folding wheelchair by RMUTT researchers

The first automatic folding wheelchair by RMUTT researchers

The first automatic folding wheelchair controlled  with Micro Controller system by Thai researchers at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi within the cost about 25,000 Baht .It is made from  materials  in Thailand  and the quality is as high as similar products in the market.

Dr.Dejarit Maneethum,the lecturer at the faculty of Technical Education who produced the automatic folding wheelchair says, this was developed from the previous model(No.1) which it was a project between Rajamangala  University of Technology Thanyaburi and  Assistant Professor ,Doctor Niyom La-orpaksin ,the director  of Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center(MSMC),the faculty of Medicine at Srinakharinwiroj University ,Ongkarak district ,Nakhon Nayok Province.

In  2009, first model was created and controlled by a micro controller PIC 16F877 under the keypad number .The controller system was  divided into two parts ,a two-wheel drive system is used at both rear wheels for moving forwards and backwards while the front two wheels controlled the directions in turning left or right.The users can  press the numbers whether moving forwards or backwards ,turning left or right( the  charger is set behind the wheelchair body).

However, the problem is its cost which is about 40,000 Baht approximately, non-lightweight,and unfoldable .When it has low battery,there will be a difficulty in controlling the directions.

We have good feedback from people who were interested in this model. Therefore, we have tried to develop the better model (No.2) to reduce the cost but still high –quality for patients.

For the second model ,the main operating system still works similarly as the previous one but we developed the joystick  to control the direction in stead of the keypad.

The outstandings of the second model are its price which is less expensive than other automatic folding wheelchairs in the market.The new model that we developed is about 25,000 Bath but in the market can be sold about 160,000 Baht. Furthermore ,it is convenient for the users to separate each part while travelling and no difficulty  in using when it becomes low- battery. The charger takes time about 2-3 hours with 24 volts of electronics .The maximum weight is at 100 kilograms.

Restrictions: the charger is set behind the wheelchair as well as the controller .It can not turn in 90 degree.

Now ,it is already registered as the rights to the researchers. For more information ,please contact 086-882-1475.