DESIGNING AND MANUFACTURING OF “FOOT OPERATED STEERING” FOR DISABLED PEOPLE

Transportation has become an integral part of people’s everyday life. At certain times, in large countries like India, people are forced to travel more than 200 km from their work place to their place of residence. People with disabilities in lower extremities and hands have difficulties in travelling and cannot travel these long distances. They use devices such as wheel chair, crutches and artificial limbs for mobility. These however cannot be used for long distance outdoor transportation. Therefore, the aim of this study is to design and fabricate ‘Foot operated system’ for armless people. The system will be using “Rack And Pinion” arrangement, which converts rotary motion into linear motion. The system consists of wheels, internal threaded cylinder, lead screw, linkages, rotating pinion and rack. This system is compact and thus will be used for long distance transportation. The main objective of the project is to design a foot operated system for handicapped people and will be useful in military purpose. This system will be cost effective and easy to operate.