CARC Hybrid Wheelchair

Control and Applications Research Centre at BRAC University

Snapshot
Manufacturing & delivery
Performance & use
Research & standards
Feedback

Product description Brand name and product description

CARC Hybrid wheelchair – a solar powered, four-wheeled electric-assisted wheelchair with hand petals for movement and steering.^{Interview with representative}

This product is still a prototype. Photos and data pertain to the 1st iteration of this product.

Target region(s) Target region for distribution/implementation (listed by country if specified)

Bangladesh

Distributors/implementing organizations Organization(s) distributing/deploying this product directly to communities/individuals?"

Locally CARC, Globally IEEE SIGHT USA^{Interview with representative}

Market suggested retail price Price per unit or service price per usage/terms (USD). Subsidies noted.

Pricing not yet decided. Awaiting feedback from field trials.^{Interview with representative}

Competitive landscape Similar products available on the market. May not be a comprehensive listing.

Leveraged Freedom Chair, GEN_1 Design Wheelchair, Motivation Rough Terrain Wheelchair, Rough Rider Wheelchair

SDG targeted United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targeted with this product/application/service

Goal 3: to improve and promote good health.

Target user(s) Target user/consumer base (country, income segment)

Individuals with limited mobility and limited access to the electrical grid.

Manufacturing/building method(s) Detail regarding solution production or construction method (instructions, mass production capacity, custom made,etc...)

Prototype

Product Intellectual Property Open source/IP protected (note patent)/trade secret/other?

IP not yet defined.

User Provision Model Where can the product be purchased/acquired by end users?

Prototype. Product cannot yet be purchased.

Distribution to date Number of units that have been deployed, downloads or users to date

Prototype. Distribution has not yet begun.

Fields marked are sourced values that have been evaluated by the manufacturer or a third party, all others are design specifications.

Maximum rider load (kg)

To be determined with final design

Seat widths (min-max, cm)

To be determined with final design

Seat depths (min-max, cm)

To be determined with final design

Adjustable seat (yes/no)

To be determined with final design

Frame type (folding/rigid)

To be determined with final design

Frame type (material)

To be determined with final design

Seat angles (degrees):

To be determined with final design

Footrest heights (min-max)

To be determined with final design

Repairable with universal components (yes/no)

Yes

Chair weight (kg)

To be determined with final design

Fatigue tested (yes/no)

Unknown

Fatigue test results (cycles)

Unknown

Design specifications Component and Operation overview including power, portability, facility requirements, preventative maintenance and user training requirements

Prototype component details:^{Interview with representative}

– Thin iron sheets/aluminum as a base material
– Standard (global) wheelchair dimensions used for prototype design
– Can be driven using both a throttle and torque sensor pedal
– Solar charger kit required to charge the battery bank.

Product schematics Design and assembly illustrations

Unavailable

Technical support Technical support provided by

Electrical or mechanical workshops with professional and expertise mechanics are capable of providing technical support to any wheelchair malfunction. If any motor or battery malfunction occurs, the user will have to take the wheelchair to the after sales service center or to the manufacturer.^{Interview with representative}

Replacement components Availability of replacement components (in-country, by order,...)

Unknown if components are replaceable or designed specifically for the wheelchair.

Lifecycle Disposal and warranty

The wheelchair is expected to have a lifetime of 36 months with everyday outdoor use. The warranty of the wheelchair depends on the warranty of the electrical components within the wheelchair.^{Interview with representative}

Battery: 2 years

Hub motor: 1 year

Service warranty: 1 year

Manufacturer specified performance targets Designer / Manufacturer specified targets

Throttle: Hub motor takes power from battery bank^{Interview with representative}

Torque sensor panel: Takes power from the battery to drive the motor. Works with the torque adjuster circuit to assist the user. The user also provides mechanical energy to provide the necessary power to move the wheelchair.

Vetted performance Findings of manufacturer evaluations or independent testing centers

The wheelchair can be operated until the battery charge drops to 50% State of Charge.^{Interview with representative}

Testing organizations Independent lab, academic research centers, etc.

The Control & Applications Research Center (CARC) of BRAC University.

Safety Potential hazards / risks related to operation of this product

Wheelchairs are always at risk of tipping over, especially on rough terrains. A wheelchair must also be comfortable and fit the user properly or the user may be at risk of developing injury (such as scoliosis or pressure sores).

Complementary technical systems Performance of this product is improved with another technology (eg. Cookstoves and Wind-blocking skirts)

Unknown.

Academic research Academic research related to the product (e.g. published papers in peer-reviewed journals)

Chien, C-S., et. al. (2014), Design and development of solar power-assisted manual/electric wheelchair. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 51:9; 1411-1426.

Compliance with regulations Product certifications and standards referenced by designer/manufacturer

None. CARC will begin certifying the wheelchair after the end design is developed.^{Interview with representative}

Evaluation methods Evaluation methods/protocols/guidelines referenced by designer or manufacturer.

Laboratory testing was conducted on various components of the prototype wheelchair in the CARC laboratory at BRAC University. Field testing is ongoing by the Center for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed patients and doctors.^{Interview with representative}

Other information

This product was featured in an article on Engineering for Change’s website, where the designers and company representatives answered questions about the wheelchair and its plans for the future. The wheelchair is currently being developed, and will soon launch its second edition with edits and modifications determined from field testing and feedback.

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Feedback from users, customers & distributors

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Snapshot

Product description Brand name and product description

CARC Hybrid wheelchair – a solar powered, four-wheeled electric-assisted wheelchair with hand petals for movement and steering.^{Interview with representative}

This product is still a prototype. Photos and data pertain to the 1st iteration of this product.

Target region(s) Target region for distribution/implementation (listed by country if specified)

Bangladesh

Distributors/implementing organizations Organization(s) distributing/deploying this product directly to communities/individuals?"

Locally CARC, Globally IEEE SIGHT USA^{Interview with representative}

Market suggested retail price Price per unit or service price per usage/terms (USD). Subsidies noted.

Pricing not yet decided. Awaiting feedback from field trials.^{Interview with representative}

Competitive landscape Similar products available on the market. May not be a comprehensive listing.

Leveraged Freedom Chair, GEN_1 Design Wheelchair, Motivation Rough Terrain Wheelchair, Rough Rider Wheelchair

SDG targeted United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targeted with this product/application/service

Goal 3: to improve and promote good health.

Target user(s) Target user/consumer base (country, income segment)

Individuals with limited mobility and limited access to the electrical grid.

Manufacturing & delivery

Manufacturing/building method(s) Detail regarding solution production or construction method (instructions, mass production capacity, custom made,etc...)

Prototype

Product Intellectual Property Open source/IP protected (note patent)/trade secret/other?

IP not yet defined.

User Provision Model Where can the product be purchased/acquired by end users?

Prototype. Product cannot yet be purchased.

Distribution to date Number of units that have been deployed, downloads or users to date

Prototype. Distribution has not yet begun.

Performance & use