Electric wheel chairs provide mobility for those with diminished mobility. These powered wheelchairs are self contained and have on board computers to control the motors speed and tracking for straight line travel.
Storage Power
All electric powered wheelchairs contain batteries for their power source. These batteries must be charged every day or night depending on the use of the occupant of the electric wheel chair. The batteries used in wheelchairs are not the same that are used in cars and trucks. They must be completely sealed form the outside environment. If not, the gases emitted when charging are extremely explosive in a contained area and could be hazardous to the user. As some users of the electric wheel chair may have to spend most of their waking moments in the chair during the day. These batteries are called Sealed Lead Acid or SLA batteries. Most contain a gel covered fabric inside the battery and they give a very long service life.
The Electric Motors
The electric motors used in the electric wheelchair are not the most common used in everyday life. These motors must go through extensive testing before they can even be considered for use of the wheelchair. They must plenty of power, be long lived before maintenance and not emit disturbance to other appliances form the windings. Each of these motors contain a heavy-duty gearbox to translate the motors motion and provide heavy torque.
The Motor Joystick Controller
The most important element of the electric wheel chair is the joystick controller. This device is the one thing that transfers the riders touch into motion. For quadriplegics this can be controlled by the movement of the tongue or in some cases even eye movement can be registered to the on board computer. The joystick controller monitors the motors speed and amperage to maintain a straight line of travel when in any motion. In turning, this controller must compensate for each motor for a smooth and accurate turns. Most importantly these joystick controllers must be tested so no outside radio interference from other devices activates the controller unexpectedly.
Electric Wheelchairs
Accurate control of the motors that are powered from on board batteries provide mobility for those that may not be afforded to them otherwise. Most powered wheelchairs utilize four wheels, two for the driven power and two for either the front or rear. Some even have six wheels for more support to climb curbs or other obstacles.
Tags: electric wheel chair, powered wheelchairs, wheel chair, control motors, electric wheel, joystick controller, line travel