What will it do?
It would be a seating and computer access system for a kid with motor impairment.An adaptive chair with adjustable seating angles and heights, with a head support-cum-mouse to access the computer. For a kid with additional speech impairment, it would also serve as a means for communication with a commercial AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) software installed in the computer.
Who's done what beforehand?
I have been trying to design a head support (dynamic) based on the headpod. If that doesn't work, I am also looking at internet sources for static head support designs.
For the electronics, I intend to refer to this instructables for guidance. This is a wired device. I'm planning to make mine bluetooth-compatible.
What will you design?
1. I made the adaptive chair for my shopbot assignment.
2. I made a support tray in composite material during the wild card week. I will be adding a wooden frame to make it more usable.
3. I have designed a PCB with Atmega32U4, yet to be milled and soldered.
4. The head support is yet to be designed.
What materials and components will be used?
Plywood, Plastic, resin for composite
Bluetooth sensor HC-05 module
Accelerometer/Gyroscope sensor MPU6050
A PCB with ATmega32U4 chip and other electronic components
Where will they come from?
I have already purchased the two sensor modules (HC-05 and MPU6050) from local/online shops.
The other materials are available in fablab.
How much will they cost?
HC-05 bluetooth module - Rs.300
MPU6050 accel/gyr sensor module - Rs.200
What parts and systems will be made?
1. Adaptive chair with seat and footrest adjustments
2. Support tray used to hold the laptop
3. Head support system
4. Head-controlled mouse
What processes will be used?
1. Milling in Shopbot
2. Composite preparation
3. 3D printing
4. Laser cutting
What questions need to be answered?
1. How sensitive and accurate is the cursor corresponding to the head movement?
2. How stable are the support tray and head support?
3. How to increase comfort and stability for a child sitting on the chair?
How will it be evaluated?
1. By inspection and feedback from disability professionals - physiotherapist, communication specialist and occupational therapist.
2. By feedback from parents or other caretakers of children with disability.
3. If okayed by the above two, trial and feedback from a child with disability.