KANGAN ROO Project RD by Kangan Batman TAFE

KANGAN ROO Project R&D by Kangan Batman TAFE then collaboration with CATEA Evolution of a concept, research, proof of concept, development, build, research, collaborate, research, build … Then the hard part 1

Identify Need or Problem v. Electric wheelchairs built to suit large percentile of users – too heavy. v. Motors inefficient – old technology. v. Batteries a major weight component. v. It HAS to look stylish and visually less dominant – see the person not 2

Rear Wheel Drive Chair 3

Front Wheel Drive Chair 4

Mid Wheel Drive Chair 5

Six Wheel Mid Drive Chair 6

Sports Manual Chair 7

Look at Sports Chair for Power v. Follows body to be less visually obtrusive v. Light weight frame – power/weight ratio v. New technology materials – titanium frame v. Easier to transport, better ride, more compact 8

Design Timeframe v 1981 - Initial concept imagined of mid wheel, wheelchair with five to six wheels. But needed better motors and batteries. v 2003 – Presented idea to Institute. v 2004 – Research at RESNA Conference. v 2004 – Built “Proof of Concept” 9

Kangan Roo Wheelchair – V 1 “Proof of Concept” Prototype 2004. Worked better than expected for heavy Lead/acid battery and steel frame – kept secret then shown to Patent Attorney. Provisional Patent eventually formulated from this basis. 10

Design Concept 11

Kangan Roo Wheelchair – V 2 • Second Prototype built 2005. • With Provisional Patent in place could be developed with students in class. • Alloy frame, light Ni. MH battery, still old heavy wheel gearbox and motor but electric shortening. • Won Judges’ and Viewers’ Choice Episode Award on ABC ‘The New Inventors’ program Feb 2006. 12

Protoype Version 2 Video Play video 13

Collaboration v. Search for better hub motors led to emails and MNDA with CATIA along with other US manufacturers. Video sent of functional chair. v. CATIA liked my frame design – collaboration. v. Prototype motors delivered needed new axles designed, controller modified, new battery pack and charging circuit. New 14

New Prototype Version 3 - Short 15

New Prototype Version 3 - Long 16

PREDICTABILITY - Trial 17