Hi all, I have a Dachshund that has been partially paralyzed. She can walk, but now that she’s on in years her legs don’t hold her up anymore.
When she was first injured I got her a wheelchair. But after 6 months or so she gained some mobility so I shelved the wheelchair. That was over 10 yrs ago.
So being a tinkerer, I came up with the idea of powering the wheelchair so that it helps her walk. Since dogs get most of their power from the hind legs, I figured a power assist type of setup would be best.
Not only would it help her, but the project might benefit the thousands of other wheelchair bound dogs.
So in my “what if” planning, I needed to address power failure. With that in mind I need a passive drive train, one that frees up the wheels if power is lost.
Also weight is a huge consideration, but not paramount in the prototyping. Also the motor must be quiet as possible.
Direct drive, fairly quiet (if I remember)… Could the stepper motor be a viable solution since my goal is power assist only?
Thanks
Randy
That’s an excellent idea, and as you state, the technology or approach could be used to benefit other dogs as well. Your main issues won’t necessarily involve the propulsion system itself, but trying to “figure out” what the dog is trying to do, so it does not become an inconvenience. Humans are having to content with this same issue when creating powered exoskeleton suits. The more sensors you add, the better it will help - might even get you some attention by the media if the system lowers to the ground when your dog wants to lay down, and lifts up when it does. Most DC based motors can rotate if power is lost, with a few exceptions being very high gear ratios and worm gears systems. A stepper is a start, but might not be able to provide the torque required, so as a proof of concept, you might opt for a DC gear motor - a bit noisier, but very proven tech. robotshop.com/en/gear-motors.html
Coleman, thanks for the encouraging and insightful ideas. I will certainly keep this in mind as I go forward.
I will attempt to adequately document my progress and publicize everything if I can achieve a working prototype/model.
I already have the wheelchair frame and ability, the code will be my biggest challenge. I have a few ideas for sensing directional movement.
However, I hope some of you with hands on sensor experience will feel free to offer suggestions.
Best Regards to all,
Randy
