Mysore :
Wins II place at Natl-level Amateur Scientist contest
by S.N.Venkatnag Sobers
At a time when most students aspire to become software engineers or doctors, here is a student who wants to get into Research and Development (R&D) in the field of basic science.
Shreesha, a Ist year PU student of Vijaya Vittala Pre-University College has set an example for the other students through his new invention, a ‘Self Sustainable Wheelchair’, which is a boon for the differently-abled and elderly citizens.
Most of the self-sustained wheelchairs available in the market are limited to only basic movements; but Shreesha’s wheelchair is different. He has added more features into the wheelchair. No wonder he won the second place at ‘The Amateur Scientist – 2013,’ a National level science competition organised by PESIT, Bangalore recently.
The wheelchair is powered by battery and runs on motors. People using it need not depend on others’ physical assistance and can easily move around by themselves.
Features
1. Rain Sensitive convertible roof-top: The top cover of the wheelchair covers automatically in case of a rainfall.
2. Darkness-sensing front headlights: In case of a power cut during night hours, the headlights of the wheelchair switches on automatically to help the user move around with ease.
3. Temperature-sensitive fans: There are two fans fixed on either sides of the wheelchair that turn on automatically when the temperature increases.
4. Self-deploying fire extinguisher: In case of fire, the fire sensor installed in the wheelchair sends a signal to the controller and automatically starts sprinkling water on the wheelchair to extinguish fire.
5. Solar Charger: Solar panels are fixed at the backside of the wheelchair to assist in charging the battery.
6. The system is completely portable and can be fixed into any other ordinary wheelchair to make it completely self-sustained.
Shreesha has invented a sensor-equipped footwear to be worn by the caretaker who when unable to push the wheelchair in case they are carrying bags in their arms, the wheel chair will move according to the feet movement of the caretaker. Which means, the wheelchair will move as the caretaker moves.
Speaking to Star of Mysore, Shreesha said that the wheelchair was invented keeping in mind the need for the differently-abled and the elderly citizens. “I want to help the needy using technology to make their lives comfortable. The inventions which I make should be economically viable so that it reaches every person who is in need of it,” added Shreesha.
When asked about his inspiration, Shreesha said that more than inspiration, it was the encouragement of his parents. His father S.R. Ramaswamy, a retired science teacher, always motivated Shreesha in all his endeavours, while his mother S.Srimathi gave him moral support.
When asked about his future plans, Shreesha said that he wanted to study basic science for now and later specialise in Mechatronics which would help him become more inventive. ‘Mechatronics’ is a design process that includes combination of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, control engineering and computer engineering.
Elaborating on the wheelchair, he said that for now he was using a 12V battery for its operation and added that it could be further enhanced to make it more efficient. Shreesha also said he would add a blood pressure monitor and make the wheelchair completely computer programmed for better efficiency.
Other Inventions
This is not all. Shreesha has also invented ‘Rain Sensitive Clothing Line’. What does it do? As Shreesha himself explains, “when you put your clothes to dry on this clothes line, it rings an alarm when it senses rain and automatically pulls the clothes towards one corner of the line which is covered.”
For now, Shreesha is very proud of his new invention and says “the wheelchair is affordable compared to those currently available in the market. I have spent around Rs. 8000 (excluding the wheelchair’s cost) to make it self-sustained.”
Speaking on Shreesha’s achievement, R. Vasudev Bhat, Secretary, Vijaya Vittala Education Trust, said he was proud of Shreesha and added the management would continue to help such students in their endeavours. Vijaya Vittala Pre-University College Principal H. Satyaprasad mentioned that Shreesha was an example of a student using his knowledge, understanding, application and skills in a scientific way to come out with such innovative products.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by S.N. Venkatnag Sobers / September 17th, 2013