Photoelectric-Activated Switch for a Motorized Wheelchair

Inventors Richard Collins and Rick Gaither of Walnut Ridge, AR have created a pressure activated kill switch for electric wheelchairs.

Those confined to wheelchairs are faced with daily obstacles that most of us take for granted.Fortunately, recent developments in technology have provided electric wheelchairs and scooters that can turn on a dime, move just fractions of an inch, and provide for near complete mobility. These wheelchairs are typically controlled by a joystick mounted near the users hand. However, these joysticks are in the same location where a person may lean forward to reach something, eat, or perform a task. When their torso or other body area contacts the joystick, the chair can shoot forward and cause damage or injury to the user or a bystander. Inventors Collins and Gaither have created a means by which the occupant of an electric wheelchair can be provided with an element of safety, in order to avoid these issues.

This clever new invention disables a wheelchair if an occupant should lean forward. It eliminates possible injury. A kill switch is enabled only when a user is seated and leaning back. It has a padded surface for comfort. The device is perfect for users lacking complete muscle control. The use of the Photoelectric-Activated Switch for a Motorized Wheelchair provides for the automatic disabling of an electric wheelchair, in a manner which is not only quick, easy, and effective, but safe for all.