Designer needed for power wheelchair controller

My paralyzed son's 15-year-old wheelchair needs a completely re-designed main controller board. The chair is rather unique. Most power chairs have a drive motor at each of the two primary wheels. Our OmegaTrac has a mechanical transmission with a large motor for power and a smaller motor for steering inputs. Other functions are also routed through the main controller board.

We can supply a failed board to use as a guide to the various functions that go through the controller board, but we do NOT want to use the original design to operate the chair. The original boards are not only proprietary, but they are totally unreliable. We want a new controller design using modern methods and components.

We must work with someone reasonably close to our home in Rhode Island, because inspection of the chair is probably essential. Prior experience with power wheelchairs is preferred but fresh ideas are welcome.

If you or anyone you know in our area might be interested, please send contact information to the email address in my profile

Thanks.

Sounds like fun -- too bad I'm on the opposite coast :P

Have you considered the local Universities? Perhaps an engineering student would like take it on as a school project.

Drawback might be lack of experience, but if there's supervision, odds are good it will go well, and because it's free, even if its a fail, all you've lost is time [unless of course they damage the chair -- so look into insurance].

Also, if money is an issue, look into Crowd Funding. Especially the new Indigogo Personal Funding: https://life.indiegogo.com/

As an engineer who has spent a lot of time in and working with academia I would second Steve's suggestion. A well supervised project might give you exactly what you need, and offers rewards for all concerned so the incentive for a positive outcome is good.

Like Steve, I can't help myself as I am in Europe, but would gladly offer to look over any circuit proposals by email if that would be of any assistance.

Best wishes