Wheelchair set to transform mobility
23 August 2005
Above, it was excitement all around when the prototype for a new wheelchair reached the final stages of development. From left, Colin Johanson, Mark Russell with third year students Simon Henderson, Mark Bartolo, Adam Punshon and Stephen Hall.
Engineering students from Kangan Batman TAFE have built a prototype for an electric wheelchair that could revolutionise the mobility of people with disabilities.
The wheelchair, nicknamed the 'Kangan Roo', is built of aluminium and has a radical frame design that allows the chair to be adjusted in wheelbase length while in use. The frame can be shortened for indoor tight manoeuvring and lengthened for outdoor cruising speeds of up to 10 kph.
The wheelchair operates with a NiMH battery weighing only seven and a half kilograms, a quarter of the weight of a regular wheelchair battery system. Combined with the lightweight aluminium frame the 'Kangan Roo' weighs approximately 48 kg (including batteries), over 80 kilos less than a normal powerful electric wheelchair.
The wheelchair design is the brainchild of Kangan Batman TAFE employee, Colin Johanson, who became a quadriplegic with limited hand use, after a hang gliding accident 28 years ago.
Mr Johanson, who lives in Williamstown, has worked at the Institute's Moreland and Broadmeadows campuses for over 11 years and had designed the concept of his wheelchair over 20 years ago.
Recognising the Institute was in a prime position to bring his ideas to reality, Mr Johanson entered into a contract with Kangan Batman TAFE to build the wheelchair. The Institute took out a Provisional Patent last year, for the design of the electric wheelchair and this year converted it to a Patent Convention Treaty (PCT), giving another 18 months world-wide protection on the design.
Third year fabrication apprentices in the Aviation and Engineering department have been involved in building the wheelchair from Mr Johanson's designs with guidance from their teacher, Mark Russell. Last year an Auto Electric Department staff member, Ivan Munro, built a steel prototype to confirm the radical frame design worked. This year they adapted a lightweight sports manual wheelchair to fit onto a new alloy frame. Minor electrical modifications were also made by Avionics staff member Brian Camp and new light, compact, fast charging and more environmentally friendly NiMH battery packs fitted.
Fabrication teacher, Mark Russell, says the students have relished the chance to work on a 'live' project and one with such exciting possibilities. 'It has given them an insight into research and development work which in turn widens their thoughts about future employment possibilities,' said Mr Russell.
The students worked on altering an existing wheelchair to make it "fit for the purpose" using Mr Johanson's design. The project ties in with their study requirements and increases their problem solving abilities.
'The concept for the wheelchair is very complicated and it wouldn't have been possible to build this without Colin's input,' said Mr Russell. 'While the students could have built the wheelchair from drawings they would not have been aware of all the outside influences which have an effect on its operation, this is where Colin's knowledge and experience have been invaluable.'
The project has generated interest from commercial companies and a University in the United States who are developing motors and batteries for wheelchairs. Mr Johanson is also hoping to promote the wheelchair on The New Inventors program on the ABC.
The Kangan Roo project is important to show that research and development could be integrated into course work at TAFE level. 'It potentially gives the enthusiastic students interesting and challenging projects directly related to their fields of study to work on, but at the same time incorporates a cost recovery aspect for the Institute,' said Mr Johanson. 'The students have actually taken ownership of the 'Kangan Roo' project, referring to it as "our chair" so it will be very satisfying for them to see it manufactured,' he said.
