How Does a Power Wheelchair Work?

  Power wheelchairs meet the needs of users based on a variety of components. These essential parts include motors, motor drivers, and controllers. Unlike conventional motors that prioritize high speed, power wheelchairs are designed for high torque rather than speed, as they operate on the ground.

Key Components and Functionality:

  Motors and Reduction Gears:
  Electric wheelchairs typically use DC motors, which are equipped with reduction gears at the motor’s front end. These gears are crucial for reducing the motor’s speed while increasing torque, enabling the wheelchair to move smoothly and navigate various terrains.

  Hall Sensors and Encoders:
  The DC motors in power wheelchairs are often fitted with Hall sensors and encoders. Hall sensors assist with the motor’s commutation, ensuring smooth operation, while encoders provide feedback on the motor’s speed. This feedback is vital for accurate control and operation of the wheelchair.

  Four-Wheel Drive System:
  Power wheelchairs generally use a four-wheel drive system to ensure reliable performance. This setup requires a robust electrical control system to manage motor speed, torque, and direction. The system also needs to plan the wheelchair’s movement towards a target point efficiently.

Key Features:

  Operating Platform: The power wheelchair features a user-friendly interface that allows for precise control. This interface enables users to input commands to set the motor’s working mode, adjust the movement speed of the wheelchair, and change its direction. This ensures that the wheelchair can move according to the user’s specific instructions.

  Motor Control Based on User Commands: Once commands are entered, the controller calculates the required speed and torque for each motor using kinematic and dynamic equations. This process is crucial for translating user inputs into actual motor functions. The control system must ensure effective communication between the main controller and each motor driver to coordinate the operation of all motors accurately.

  Real-Time Motor Feedback: The master controller manages the motor’s movement through the motor driver and continuously monitors feedback from the motors. This includes real-time data on speed and torque. The controller uses this feedback to adjust the wheelchair’s speed and ensure it operates smoothly. The inverse kinematics equation is used to calculate the wheelchair’s speed based on motor feedback, while torque values are recorded for performance monitoring.

  Display of Wheelchair Parameters: The electrical control system displays crucial parameters such as speed, acceleration, and battery level in real time. This feature allows users to monitor the wheelchair’s performance and battery status, helping to ensure timely recharging and optimal operation.

  Safety Protection Function: To prevent damage, the power wheelchair is equipped with sensors to detect obstacles and avoid collisions. If the wheelchair encounters an obstruction or if the wheels become stuck, the system will automatically halt motor operations. This protective measure helps prevent potential damage to the motor and battery.

In summary, a power wheelchair integrates advanced motor control, real-time feedback, user interface, parameter display, and safety features to provide reliable and efficient mobility. For more information or if you’re seeking a dependable electric wheelchair manufacturer, please contact us.