by Burgerman » 04 Nov 2018, 12:40
The problem is the single nature of the challenge. This is exactly why we get useless powerchairs that can climb steps. That nobody wants to use!
The real solution is someone that understands MY needs, wants, preferences, and favorable compromises (yours will be different). And then have ONE person design a chair with these many different things which compete against one another in the right proportions.
So you think you would need a list of say 50 questions. And answer each one out of 10 as to how important each thing is. But...
If two of these questions were say weight, and range, then they are in direct opposition. So your questionnaire will not allow you to add these two fields up above 10 total. So you can answer one 9 but the other will be greyed out above 1... The real issue is that one parameter may change many other things. Say the next question is then stability... That means that if you tick 10 then it changes the max sensible speed, weight lower limit, CG, Seat lift height if thats in your requirements, etc etc. This is the problem. EVERY single parameter or desire, changes all the rest of your design compromises. So that in the end, a form, or some questions, or a list of must dos, needs, wants, dont make sense.
What you need is 1 guy that understands all the needs, priorities, engineering compromises and physics of each choice or compromise and how each changes the bigger picture. You need to design the thing AS ONE to best work together to have the best mix of compromises to suit a specific users needs, preferences, weight etc.
An example. Me, loves rear drive, doesn't particularly need lift or powered anything, but craves torque, range, and build quality and must have fat tyres and spends a lot of time outdoors across Fields, along the beach. Transfers sideways with a board. Best suited to something fast, light, and powerful. Like the extremely tippy and wheelie prone BM3 16mph fat tyre 45V lightweight rear drive chair with tubeless tyres etc. Programmed to go!
Compared to a quad that weighs 7 stone, falls forwards, needs harness, and doesn't need to go far. He needs powered seat functions, mostly stays indoors, and lift to reach stuff. He cant control speed, and seldom goes outdoors and transfers via carers and hoist. Best suited to heavy lead battery, for stability, and a mid drive chair as well as lower power 2 pole motors, 5 or 6 mph, every seating option possible, and solid tyres. Programmed to be slow and delayed to work with speciality controls. 2 completely different powerchairs. Neither of us could even USE each others chairs.