Experiment No:

Experiment name:
To design and construct a multifunctional wheelchair for people with disabilities using
a PIR sensor.

Objectives:
The objective is to design and develop a versatile wheelchair that can cater to the
diverse needs of individuals with disabilities while ensuring the utmost comfort,
safety, and functionality.
 The primary objective is to improve the mobility of individuals with disabilities
by providing them with a wheelchair that can navigate various terrains and
environments effectively.
 The wheelchair should enable users to perform daily activities independently,
enhancing their overall independence and quality of life.
 The wheelchair should enable users to perform daily activities independently,
enhancing their overall independence and quality of life.
 The wheelchair should enable users to perform daily activities independently,
enhancing their overall independence and quality of life.
 Design a multifunctional wheelchair that enhances user mobility and safety.
 Integrate a PIR sensor to detect obstacles and objects in the wheelchair's
vicinity.
 Ensure user-friendly operation and efficient maneuverability.

Principle:
Designing and constructing a multifunctional wheelchair for individuals with
disabilities using a Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor requires careful planning and
integration of various components. The PIR sensor can be used to detect the presence
of a person and trigger certain functions or movements of the wheelchair.
A Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor is a type of motion sensor that detects infrared
radiation emitted by objects within its field of view. It's called "passive" because it
doesn't emit any energy itself; it simply detects changes in infrared radiation emitted
by objects as they move across the sensor's detection area.
PIR sensors work based on the principle that all objects with a temperature above
absolute zero (-273.15°C or 0 Kelvin) emit infrared radiation. When an object moves
across the sensor's field of view, it causes a change in the infrared radiation detected
by the sensor.
A typical PIR sensor consists of a pyroelectric sensor, a Fresnel lens, and a processing
circuit. The pyroelectric sensor generates a voltage when exposed to infrared
radiation, and the processing circuit interprets changes in this voltage to detect motion.
The range of a PIR sensor refers to the maximum distance at which it can detect
motion. Most PIR sensors have a range of several meters, but this can vary depending
on factors like sensitivity and environmental conditions.
PIR sensors have a limited field of view, usually around 90 to 180 degrees, depending
on the sensor's design and the lens used. This field of view determines the area that the
sensor can detect motion within.
Required Components:

 Wheelchair frame: Durable and lightweight frame to support the user.

 Motorized wheels: Provide propulsion and control for movement.
 PIR sensor: Detects infrared radiation emitted by nearby objects.
 Microcontroller unit (MCU): Processes sensor data and controls wheelchair
functions.
 Battery: A power source for motorized wheels and electronic components.
 User interface: Interface for controlling wheelchair functions and settings.

Procedure:
1. Define Requirements:
 a. Identify the specific needs of individuals with disabilities using the
wheelchair.
b. Determine the functionalities you want to incorporate into the
wheelchair (e.g., mobility, safety features, comfort, accessibility).

2. Research and Development:

a. Research existing wheelchair designs and technologies.
b. Explore how PIR sensors can be integrated into the wheelchair to
enhance its functionality.
c. Look into safety standards and regulations for wheelchair design and
construction.

3. Components and Materials:

a. Select high-quality components and materials suitable for wheelchair
construction.
b. Consider lightweight yet durable materials for the frame, such as
aluminum or titanium.
c. Choose reliable motors, wheels, and electronic components for mobility
and sensor integration.

4. Integration of PIR Sensor:

a. Determine the placement of the PIR sensor on the wheelchair for
optimal movement detection.
b. Connect the PIR sensor to the wheelchair's control system or
microcontroller.
c. Program the microcontroller to interpret signals from the PIR sensor and
trigger appropriate actions.

5. Testing and Iteration:

a. Conduct thorough testing of the wheelchair prototype to ensure all
functionalities work as intended.
b. Gather feedback from wheelchair users and healthcare professionals for
further improvements.
c. Iterate on the design and functionality based on user feedback and
testing results.

6. Manufacturing and Deployment:

a. Once the design is finalized, manufacture the wheelchair on a larger
scale.
b. Ensure proper quality control measures are in place during
manufacturing.
c. Deploy the multifunctional wheelchairs to individuals with disabilities,
healthcare facilities, and rehabilitation centers.
Precaution:
i. Accessibility: Ensure the wheelchair design is accessible to individuals with
different disabilities.
ii. Ergonomics: Prioritize user comfort and ergonomics in the design of the
wheelchair.
iii. User-Friendly Interface: Design intuitive controls and interfaces for easy
operation by wheelchair users and caregivers.

Result and Discussion:

The integration of the PIR sensor enables automatic functions such as door opening,
obstacle detection, and seat adjustment. This enhances the accessibility of the
wheelchair for users with disabilities, reducing their dependence on manual controls
and facilitating independent mobility. Users benefit from a smoother and more
convenient experience, as they no longer need to operate certain functions of the
wheelchair manually. This can improve their overall quality of life and sense of
independence. Design a multifunctional wheelchair that improves user mobility and
safety. It should integrate a PIR sensor to detect obstacles and objects in the
wheelchair's vicinity. Ensure that the operation is user-friendly and the
maneuverability is efficient. The wheelchair design should be adaptable to
accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of users with disabilities.
Customizable settings and controls must be included to allow users to tailor the
wheelchair's functionality to their specific requirements, ensuring a personalized and
user-centric experience.

Special features:

 Obstacle Detection and Avoidance: The PIR sensor installed on the wheelchair
can detect the infrared radiation emitted by nearby objects, including obstacles
and people. When the sensor detects an obstacle within its range, it sends
signals to the wheelchair's control system.

 Automatic Braking and Steering: Upon detecting an obstacle, the wheelchair's

control system can automatically engage braking mechanisms to prevent
 collisions. Advanced systems may also incorporate automatic steering
adjustments to navigate around obstacles while maintaining a safe trajectory.

 User Alerts and Feedback: The wheelchair can provide auditory or visual alerts
to the user to notify them of detected obstacles. These alerts can help users
navigate safely and avoid potential environmental hazards.

 Customizable Sensitivity and Range: Users may have different mobility needs
and preferences. Therefore, the wheelchair's PIR sensor system should be
customizable regarding sensitivity and detection range to accommodate various
environments and user requirements.

 Integration with Assistive Technologies: The wheelchair's PIR sensor system

can be integrated with other assistive technologies, such as speech recognition
systems or environmental control units. This integration enables users to
interact with their surroundings more efficiently and independently.

 Data Logging and Analysis: The wheelchair can log data related to detected
obstacles and user interactions over time. This data can be analyzed to identify
patterns, improve the wheelchair's performance, and provide valuable insights
for users and caregivers.

 Battery Efficiency: The PIR sensor system should be designed to optimize

battery life, minimizing power consumption during standby and active modes.
Additionally, the wheelchair's power management system should prioritize
critical functions while conserving energy.

 User-Friendly Interface: The wheelchair's interface should be intuitive and

accessible, allowing users to customize sensor settings, adjust sensitivity levels,
and receive real-time feedback about their surroundings.

 Integration with Navigation Systems: Advanced multifunctional wheelchairs

may integrate PIR sensors with GPS or indoor positioning systems to provide
users with accurate navigation assistance, particularly in complex or unfamiliar
environments.
 Safety Standards and Regulations: It's crucial to ensure that the wheelchair
complies with relevant safety standards and regulations governing assistive
devices. Regular testing and certification can help validate the wheelchair's
performance and safety features.

Future Improvement Goals:

 Enhanced Sensor Integration: Improve the sensitivity and range of the PIR
sensor to detect objects and obstacles more effectively. Explore advanced
sensor technologies, such as ultrasonic or lidar sensors, for enhanced detection
capabilities in various environmental conditions.

 Smart Navigation System: Implement a smart navigation system that utilizes

sensor data to autonomously steer the wheelchair away from obstacles and
navigate through complex environments. Incorporate machine learning
algorithms for real-time decision-making and adaptive navigation.

 User Interface Enhancements: Develop an intuitive and customizable user

interface to provide users with greater control and personalization options.
Integrate voice commands, touchscreens, and ergonomic controls to enhance
usability and accessibility for individuals with diverse needs.

 Battery Optimization: Optimize the battery system to extend the wheelchair's

operating range and reduce charging frequency. Explore energy-efficient
components, regenerative braking systems, and advanced battery management
techniques to maximize battery life and performance.

 Safety Features: Implement additional safety features, such as collision

detection and emergency braking systems, to mitigate the risk of accidents and
injuries. Integrate sensors and algorithms to monitor the wheelchair's
surroundings and react to potential hazards proactively.

 Modular Design: Design the wheelchair with a modular architecture to

facilitate easy upgrades, maintenance, and customization. Allow users to
 replace components, upgrade software, and integrate new technologies without
extensive modifications or downtime.

 Integration with Healthcare Systems: Explore opportunities with healthcare

systems and assistive technology platforms to enable remote monitoring,
diagnostics, and support services. Develop interoperable standards and
protocols for seamless integration with existing healthcare infrastructure.

 User Feedback and Iterative Design: Solicit feedback from users, caregivers,
and healthcare professionals to identify areas for improvement and refine the
wheelchair's design iteratively. Conduct usability studies, surveys, and focus
groups to gather insights and prioritize feature enhancements based on user
needs and preferences.

 Accessibility Standards Compliance: Ensure compliance with accessibility

standards and regulations to address the diverse needs of users with disabilities.
Incorporate universal design principles and accessibility guidelines to enhance
usability and inclusivity across different user demographics.

 Collaboration and Innovation: Foster collaboration with interdisciplinary

teams, research institutions, and industry partners to leverage cutting-edge
technologies and best practices in wheelchair design and assistive technology.
Participate in innovation challenges, hackathons, and collaborative projects to
accelerate progress and drive positive impact in the field of assistive
technology.