A versatile electronic drive for rehabilitation devices, vehicles for the disabled and senior citizens

Electronic drives have various applications in rehabilitation devices, partly to strengthen muscles of specific parts of the body (e.g. legs), partly to support the mobility of the patient during the rehabilitation process. Physically disabled people with limited walking ability also benefit from support devices equipped with electrical drives, and senior citizens often appreciate easy-to-handle, quiet and cost-effective individual transport means for local traffic. The paper describes a versatile, novel electronic drive, consisting of an electric motor and a control circuit. Explanations concentrate on the design goals and solutions that guarantee a smooth transition between muscle- and electric driving of the different devices or vehicles, and the benefits of the very high efficiency of the drive, like reduced weight or extended range.