Doing a design from scratch for my own chair questions

[robertnew16]

Hi

First post so forgive me if any or all of these have been asked before.

For a start I don't want to go down the route of using a predefined chassis made out of heavy low grade steel so I was thinking make my own design out of aluminium with composites to contain the batteries and electricals from the elements, and/or the loony cat when I am at home, so does anyone have some thoughts on this?

Second in importance the seat, out of 7 wheelchairs so far I have yet to find one I would describe as good, they go from far too wide with the invacare tdx sp2 max, the ot insisted on this one (aparently I have a substantial posterior) but even though I have the armrests at their minimum setting I always feel like I have no lateral support, or the seats feel too narrow, there is no "just right" - so the question is has anyone experience of fitting something like lightweight car bucket seats? I was looking at recaro seats from rallying, little padding but form fitting, or maybe go the whole hog and sit in a big container of alginate to make an F1 style form fitted seat?

Third question is components, I am loath to buy anything made by a current wheelchair manufacturer partially because of the designed senesence, but mainly due to lack of easy access to supply, but that is a problem with most manufacturers. Electrical controller and batteries I think I have in hand, I was looking for wheels and tyres as well as motor, gearbox and brakes. Because of easy avalibility does anyone have advice or experience of retasking parts from electric quad bikes?

Lastly the polishing bits, this is really multiple questions that for now might be poorly formatted. Does anyone use ultrasonic range sensors for reversing? Additional onboard computing for satnav, wheelchair health monitoring? fitting a winch? Fitted cattle prod for when people are treating you like a piece of furniture? Phone charging? Gesture control? And last but not least, built in coffee machine?

[Burgerman]

So ask me a specific question. Because I could and have already written more pages on this stuff than are in a london phone book.

>>>Does anyone use ultrasonic range sensors for reversing?
No, dont understand why I would want them? Can reverse mm perfect.

>>>Additional onboard computing for satnav,
No if I want it its in my phone. But I dont see any requirement or need for it.

>>>wheelchair health monitoring?
What would you monitor? I monitor everything by eye, battery by the graphs and figures when charging or even doing a capacity test etc.

>>>fitting a winch? Fitted cattle prod for when people are treating you like a piece of furniture?
They wouldnt dare. I have attitude.

>>>Phone charging?
Made my own for a couple of ££ when smart phones came out. hen bought a phone with a month of battery life instead.

>>>Gesture control? And last but not least, built in coffee machine?
What would I want gesture control or should I say slow innacurate control for? Dont drink coffee and theres a pub across from my house.

[slomobile]

I like the way you think.

Batteries are already encased in plastic, so more isn't needed except to hold them immobile, and maybe direct vented gasses away from your body(lithium), or as a bottom barrier for leaked acid (lead batteries). Metal stiffens the frame so flex doesnt rub the batteries and wear through their case. If you can build a composite frame that does that, good on you.

Lots of racing oriented seating options if you don't need recline. I like Kirkey for a fixed aluminum seat made to measure, light, strong, and cheap. If you want recline, racing seats often have lightweight hardware like the big knob that takes forever to adjust which I dont like. If you find a mechanism you like in any vehicle, have a seat pulled at a wrecking yard and reupholstered for you. Those perfectly molded F1 seats are also fitted to the fire suit they will wear every day while driving. You might want to wear different clothes different days which might make the fit too tight. Give yourself a little extra room to accommodate the thickest clothes you expect to wear. I use foam inserts over my armrests and between ribs and armrests. Feels secure, not too tight, adjustable, and soft to lift myself up on my elbows for pressure relief.

I use Starlink mini on my chair because cell service doesnt work where I live. Recently got a new horrible truckers satnav designed in 2014. It has many flaws but runs wince so I actually have easy access to run lots of older stuff I trust and keep it offline.

Have ultrasonic sensors and plan to use them at some point so I can back up without hurting my neck. Also never got around to mounting a winch, but do carry a winch line with manual winder and grapple hook.

Wheels will depend on what motors you use. Specifically the output shaft. Or you could run a unit bearing to mount the wheels independently. Airbag suspension? Auto leveling?