© Kangan Batman TAFE 2006. 1

KANGAN ROO ProjectKANGAN ROO ProjectR&D by Kangan Batman TAFE R&D by Kangan Batman TAFE then collaboration with CATEAthen collaboration with CATEA

Evolution of a concept, research, proof of concept, development, build, research, build, research, collaborate, research, build …

Then the hard part commercialise.

Design process by Colin Johanson

© Kangan Batman TAFE 2006. 2

Identify Need or Problem

Electric wheelchairs built to suit large percentile of users – too heavy.

Motors inefficient – old technology.

Batteries a major weight component.

It HAS to look stylish and visually less dominant – see the person not the chair

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Rear Wheel Drive Chair

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Front Wheel Drive Chair

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Mid Wheel Drive Chair

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Six Wheel Mid Drive Chair

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Sports Manual Chair

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Look at Sports Chair for Power

Follows body to be less visually obtrusive

Light weight frame – power/weight ratio

New technology materials – titanium frame

Easier to transport, better ride, more compact

Apply this thinking to powered solution

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Design Timeframe

1981 - Initial concept imagined of mid wheel, wheelchair with five to six wheels. But needed better motors and batteries.

2003 – Presented idea to Institute.

2004 – Research at RESNA Conference.

2004 – Built “Proof of Concept” prototype

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Kangan Roo Wheelchair – V1

“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.

© Kangan Batman TAFE 2006. 11

Design Concept

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Kangan Roo Wheelchair – V2

• Second Prototype built 2005.

• With Provisional Patent in place could be developed with students in class.

• Alloy frame, light NiMH 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.

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Protoype Version 2 Video

Play video

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Collaboration

Search for better hub motors led to e-mails and MNDA with CATIA along with other US manufacturers. Video sent of functional chair.

CATIA liked my frame design – collaboration.

Prototype motors delivered needed new axles designed, controller modified, new battery pack and charging circuit. New titanium sports frame.

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New Prototype Version 3 - Short

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New Prototype Version 3 - Long

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PREDICTABILITY - Trial