Bump Around automated bumper car

Abstract

"Bump Around" is a project intended to stimulate and entertain children with disabilities by putting them into motion. The bumper car is designed to meet the needs of one individual, but is intended to be versatile enough to accommodate a broad range of children. The bumper car makes life more enjoyable for the underprivileged children that use them. Safety features provided include a system for avoiding collisions with other objects, other students, and walls utilizing ultrasonic proximity sensors. In addition, the car has a Remote Off switch, which is given to the instructor, who has the ability to shut down the car. The vehicle is activated using a toggle switch and is driven by pressing a push-button switch that can be mounted in varying locations to meet the particular needs of the children using the device. An H-Bridge motor control circuit is also presented that has the capability of handling the high currents required for controlling the device.