Modification of a Wheelchair to Correct for OneHanded

Modification of a Wheelchair to Correct for One-Handed Use Joshua C. Nipper Mark M. Wasfy February 25, 2000 http: //vubme. vuse. vanderbilt. edu/group 22_99

Project Details z. Advisor: Aimee Eppler, Teacher at the Harris-Hillman School of Special Education z. Subject: Mario - A 10 year old male, height 4’ 6”, weight 85 lbs. Severe Cerebral Palsy, leading to very poor coordination and physical ability

The Problem z. Mario’s lack of coordination impairs his ability to control his wheelchair z. Currently, Mario uses one hand to push his chair and spins in a circle

Previous Work: 2 Solutions z. Solution A: The wheels would be joined by an axle facilitating straight movement, and a hand brake would be used for steering z. Solution B: The wheels would be joined by an axle, but steering would be limited to straight and forward or backwards and turning

Previous Work: Repairs z. New tire inner tubes z. Expand padding and harness z. Foam hand grip z. Miscellaneous nuts and bolts

Current Work: Designsafe z. Designsafe was used to optimize design and safety features

Modified Solution: Lever Propulsion System z. A clutch-lever system which when pushed forward propels the chair, and when pulled backward does nothing z. By pulling inward on the lever the connected axle will disengage and only the right wheel will spin, turning the chair

Solution Blueprint

Future Work z Apply Necessary Repairs z Determine Optimal Gear Ratio z Implement / Test Design z Ensure Proper Safety Features are in Place z Finish/Optimize Easy Gear Removal Design for tire exchange z Finish Wheel Auto-Breaking Mechanism

Conclusions z. Mario’s problem z. Optimal solution z. Feasibility of solution (Easy to assemble, very cost effective)

Thanks: z. Aimee Eppler, Harris Hillman School z. Dr. Robert Joel Barnett, Research Associate in Mechanical Engineering, VUSE z. Phil Davis, VUSE Machinist