View source for Main Page

=Welcome to WHIM Unlimited=
''We put the '''WHEE!''' in Wheelchair!''

=Our Mission=
'''''<big>To design, build, and publish plans for a power wheelchair, utilizing parts which are readily available, non-proprietary, low-cost, dependable, user maintainable, and adaptable.</big>'''''

==What does this mean?==
WHIM Unlimited has a goal to design a power wheelchair which can be '''built''', '''customized''', and '''repaired''' using '''local resources''', ''with a minimum of customized parts''.  We will then prove and refine the design by building the chair, and finally publish the designs, software and notes on a website, for anyone to use.  The designs will be freely available for all.

WHIM Unlimited is researching potential power wheelchair designs using common components found in your local hardware, bicycle, and automotive parts store.  Our intention is for a finished product which can be built by anyone with some [[wikipedia:DIY|DIY]] experience - if you can use a wrench and a screwdriver, you should be able to build and maintain one of these chairs.

We're working with local engineers and other experts to find some potential answers.  We realize that there is not going to be one answer for everyone, however we feel that we can help make the choices easier.  We have already identified some components which may need to be customized (particularly the motor-wheel interface), but are working to keep these to a minimum, and are planning to provide plans for these so that they can be manufactured at a local facility.

For more information, see our [[About WHIM]] page.  Or check out the original [[Request for Assistance]] email, sent in November, 2011.

==Why are we doing this?==
Wheelchair maintenance is problematic, at best.  Parts are available from limited sources, usually medical supply specialists.  If you're using insurance to get the chair fixed, then often a prescription is required even for simple fixes.

That means, if something breaks, you need to 
*Schedule an appointment with your doctor to get a prescription (1-3 weeks)
*Wait for the prescription to be approved (1-8 weeks, depending on type of repair)
*Schedule an appointment with the repair shop (1-3 weeks)
*Schedule a van ride to the shop
*Wait in the shop while they analyze the problem (several hours, with no access to your chair)
*If they don't have the part, 
**Go back home while they order the part (days, weeks, even months)
**Schedule another appointment with the repair shop and the van once the part comes in (another 1-3 weeks)
**Wait in the shop again while they fix the problem (several more hours sitting in their waiting room, still without access to a functioning chair)
*And finally head back home with a working chair

In our experience, this can take up to 2 months or more, depending on the issue.  It can be worse if there are no local wheelchair repair shops. [NOTE: This doesn't even take into account any hoops you have to go through if you are getting the repair paid for through your insurance or medical benefits.]

=The Design Concepts=
We've broken the chair down to its component pieces, examined how they relate to each other, and what we'd like to be able to do.

*[[Wheels]] - More Rolling than Rocking
*[[Motors]] - Moving Forward (or Backward)
*[[Frame]] - Something to Build on
*[[Controllers]] - Keeping Control
*[[Batteries and Chargers]] - Power to the People!
*[[Brakes]] - So You Don't Get Broken
*[[Seating]] - Fits One Comfortably
*[[Lighting]] - We Have a Vision!
*[[Accessories]] - You Have to Know How to Accessorize