Structural Analysis With Finite Element Method Of A Child Electric Wheelchair Built With Pvc And Arduino

The electric wheelchair allows people with severe motor disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, to be more independent, to have more quality of life and to be included in society. In the world 20 million people with motor disabilities do not have access to manual or electric wheelchair due to high costs of this technology. In Brazil, the Unified Health System does not grant electric wheelchairs for children under 12 years old and its costs about R$13,000.00. This is a relevant factor for these children that do not have access to formal education. The aim of this research was evaluate, through mechanical simulation by the finite element method, a low-cost child electric wheelchair built with PVC Pipes and Arduino. The evaluation indicates that the PVC material is suitable for the mechanical structure of an electric wheelchair. To avoid the wheelchair frame deformation, the loading mechanical limits was defined with a safety margin of 50% (141 kg for the PVC structure and 46 kg for the medium density fiberboard seat). Future modifications can be made, so that the wheelchair can withstand higher weight, such as adult. Furthermore, the results of this research can help future studies about smart electric wheelchair interfaces that require a low-cost wheelchair framework for tests.