This post doesn’t cover anything highly technical but does show a window modification that if done properly and carefully can be very useful. I was helping someone who wanted to be able to open and close some windows in their apartment on their own from their power wheelchair. Below is a video and pictures of the first version in the living room using a motor I had on hand. Note that these windows have stops that prevent them from being opened more than 5 or 6 inches.

full setup

window mount

window sill mount

Below is the second version in the bedroom. It’s the same basic setup, but with a smaller motor and mounted completely horizontal, directly to the window and the metal frame. The video also shows the mechanism and mounting in more detail.

full setup

window mount

window sill mount

The motor used is a linear actuator such as this one from ServoCity: https://www.servocity.com/hda6-2

The switch I used was this momentary reversing rocker switch (DPDT): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U1G5AR6

The bracketing I used also came from ServoCity.

The details of this implementation however are less important than the general concept and being able to apply it in a way that suits a given individual and their environment. For some users having limit switches will be very important. Further, other users will need to be able to trigger the full motion with just a momentary switch activation. That switch activation may be sip-n-puff or an IR command from a Tobii or other AAC device, or a voice command. However these will require more and better safeties.

Some key points:

• make the mechanism safe for the user and other people and pets in the area
• include appropriate hardware safeties (limit switches, fuse, etc.)
• include a reasonable alternate way to still be able to open and close the window if the mechanism fails, usually this means a reasonable way to detach the mechanism and return the window to manual operation
• make the attachments and other modifications so they do not cause damage and are robust enough
• related to these, as much as possible spec an appropriate motor that’s strong enough for the job, but not so strong as to be dangerous if something goes wrong
• make the end result practical and easy enough for the user so that it can be enjoyed
• make sure the user has at least a basic understanding of what was done and understands the limitations and what can go wrong