What is the medical need?
Humans might loose the ability to walk. Their adult weight exceeds the ability of other humans to carry each other and therefore transportation assistance is needed for common daily activities.
What are the biological and physical processes that are utilized?
Human can be transported when seated but also in vertical and horizontal positions. Mechanical devices such as chairs or stretchers can be attached to wheels ...
What treatment strategy or behavioral change is enabled?
Social interactions are of utmost importance for a healthy life. Transportation to facilities is a quality of life necessity but also medial and professional necessity.
What is the societal impact?
Inexpensive access to transportation devices is a key contributor to our economy. Specialized transportation is needed for people with disabilities.
Measurement System (Sensors and Transducers)
A manually operated wheel chair has several interface to interact with the passenger and also an optional person assisting in moving the wheel chair
A motorized wheel chair requires steering with devices such as joystick or other interfaces.
Actuator System (Electrical, Mechanical, Optical, Chemical)
Manual wheel chair, access to wheel, optional folding for storage, interaction with wheel movements and steering
Motorized wheel chair, battery system, electric motors, ability to steer
Control System (Human, Micro Controller, Computer)
Requires human vision
Power System (Electrical, Chemical, Physical)
Passive or electrical
Data Transmission and Storage
Usually does not record usage, location or navigate but could be implemented for autonomous or assisted transportation and could have homing and location finding options.
Living System Interaction
Requires contact to secure passenger.
Customization
Can be accessorized (personal statement)
Can be optimized for storage, longevity, weight, performance, durability, easy maintenance
Cost Management
Likely design can result in very large range of costs. In resource limited locations, access to welding and wood working might be limiting factors determining longevity.
Regulations
Is this a medical device and does it fall under medical device regulations?
Intellectual Property Analysis (U.S.)
Check how many new patents and applications are filed each year by searching for wheel chair. If possible group it for what kind of modifications and approaches are currently filed. It is possible that a lot of patents about wheel chairs are made each year. Limit your search to the last 10 years. In google scholar you likely can see which ones are cited a lot by other publications. Limit your work to 20 or less patents.
Market Analysis (U.S. and Developing Countries)
Please find any publicly available market analysis for wheel chair market. Please check on new approaches such as conversion to standing or ability to navigate stairs.