Revolutionizing Inclusive Mobility: Asset Management Integration for an Assistive Mobile Suitcase Supporting Especially Abled Individuals, the Elderly, and Expectant Mothers
摘要
This paper demonstrates the Electric Assistive Mobile Suitcase (AMS), an inventive alternative mobility device combining inclusive design with Engineering Asset Management (EAM) methodologies. Specifically designed for especially-abled persons, travelling elderly and expectant mothers, the AMS provides autonomy, safety and comfort, whilst enabling safe-speed powered mobility with stair assist capability. The AMS's key features include: biometric locking systems, GPS tracking, user-adjustable ergonomic feasibility, airline-compliant size, and ability for resilience across the varying climate conditions within their service-use type. The AMS is stove-piped from a modular perspective to facilitate maintenance, preventative monitoring and lifecycle cost effectiveness. Prototyping development involved the integration of hinge-and-sliding compartments/components, fold-out footrests and three adjustable handlebar heights through 3D printing and laser cutting. The development process covered all elements of a Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to determine priority design improvements based on controllability, battery heating issues and electronic component failure points. Initial trials with users found measurable increases in usability, travel efficiency and safety under real-world conditions on varying surfaces, including poor public infrastructure in India. This study clearly shows that mobility solutions can be safely engineered as high-value assets, constructed to meet operational maintenance, serviceability, and smart public infrastructure compatibility in achieving social inclusion and sustainable asset-life-cycle management.