Created September 2, 2024

Empowering Independence for Individuals with Impairments

Design kitchen appliances with accessible controls. Incorporate tactile buttons and smartphone connectivity for easier operation.

Things used in this project

Hardware components

AC/DC Power Supply, 12 V

thingSoC ESP8266 Wi-Fi Module

DFRobot FireBeetle ESP32 IOT Microcontroller (Supports Wi-Fi & Bluetooth)

Software apps and online services

Android Studio

Hand tools and fabrication machines

Multitool, Screwdriver

Story

Story:

How It Works

Imagine Sarah, who uses a wheelchair and loves cooking. She often struggles with kitchen appliances because they're either too high or the controls are too complex. With the new accessible appliance, Sarah can easily adjust the height of her oven using a button on the side or her smartphone. The oven also rotates towards her, reducing the need for stretching or awkward reaching.

When she’s ready to start cooking, the tactile buttons are easy to press, and each button press is confirmed with a pleasant sound. If Sarah wants to preheat the oven before reaching the kitchen, she can do so from her phone, where she can also monitor the cooking progress.

How Does It Work?

Height Adjustment: When the user presses the height adjustment button, the microcontroller sends a signal to the motor driver, which activates the linear actuator to raise or lower the appliance. The current height is displayed on a screen, and the user receives an audible confirmation.

Swivel Base: Similar to height adjustment, a rotary actuator is controlled by the microcontroller to rotate the appliance. The angle can be adjusted manually or via the smartphone app.

Smartphone Control: The microcontroller is connected to a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth module, allowing it to communicate with the mobile app. Users can control all appliance functions remotely, including setting timers, adjusting temperatures, and monitoring cooking progress.

Audible Feedback: Every interaction with the appliance provides audible feedback, ensuring users know their inputs are registered.

Future Improvements:

Advanced Features: The appliance could incorporate voice control using a microphone and voice recognition software.

AI Integration: Future versions could include AI to learn user preferences and automate certain tasks, such as adjusting the height based on past usage patterns.

Custom Parts and Enclosures:

1. Custom Parts:

Plastic Casings: 3D printed or injection-molded for housing electronics.

Adjustable Mounts: Fabricated to fit specific height adjustment mechanisms.

2. Enclosures:

Protective Covers: Designed to safeguard electronic components and ensure safety.

Ergonomic Designs: Custom-designed to accommodate easy access and usability.

Schematics

a. Power Supply Circuit:

Supplies power to the microcontroller, motors, and other components.

b. Control Circuit:

Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino): Central unit controlling the tactile buttons, motors for height and rotation, and managing feedback.

Motor Drivers: Interfaces between the microcontroller and the motors/actuators.

Audio System: Connected to the microcontroller for audible feedback.

Sensors: Positioned around the appliance to detect user proximity and adjust operations accordingly.

c. Connectivity Circuit:

Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Module: Allows for smartphone control.

Display Interface: If applicable, connects the microcontroller to an OLED/LCD display.

Conclusion:

This solution combines technology and thoughtful design to make kitchen appliances more accessible and user-friendly, allowing individuals with mobility impairments to enjoy greater independence in their kitchens.

Empowering Independence for Individuals with Mobility Impairments

#include <Servo.h>
#include <Wire.h>
#include <Adafruit_SSD1306.h>

// Initialize components
Servo heightMotor; 
int buttonPin = 2;
int speakerPin = 8;
int heightPosition = 0;

// Initialize OLED display
#define SCREEN_WIDTH 128
#define SCREEN_HEIGHT 64
Adafruit_SSD1306 display(SCREEN_WIDTH, SCREEN_HEIGHT, &Wire, -1);

void setup() {
  // Setup for motor and button
  heightMotor.attach(9);
  pinMode(buttonPin, INPUT);
  pinMode(speakerPin, OUTPUT);
  
  // Setup display
  display.begin(SSD1306_SWITCHCAPVCC, 0x3C);
  display.display();
  delay(2000);

  // Start at default height
  heightMotor.write(heightPosition);
}

void loop() {
  // Check if button is pressed
  if (digitalRead(buttonPin) == HIGH) {
    // Adjust height
    heightPosition += 10;
    heightMotor.write(heightPosition);

    // Provide audible feedback
    tone(speakerPin, 1000, 200); // 1kHz tone for 200ms

    // Update display
    display.clearDisplay();
    display.setTextSize(2);
    display.setTextColor(SSD1306_WHITE);
    display.setCursor(0, 10);
    display.print("Height: ");
    display.print(heightPosition);
    display.display();

    delay(500); // Debounce delay
  }
}

Credits

Rishabh Singh N

1 project • 1 follower

Empowering Independence for Individuals with Impairments

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Software apps and online services

Hand tools and fabrication machines

Story

Code

Empowering Independence for Individuals with Mobility Impairments

Credits

Rishabh Singh N

Comments

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Empowering Independence for Individuals with Impairments

Empowering Independence for Individuals with Impairments

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Software apps and online services

Hand tools and fabrication machines

Story

Code

Empowering Independence for Individuals with Mobility Impairments

Credits

Rishabh Singh N

Comments