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Modification of a Wheelchair to Correct for One-Handed Use

Modification of a Wheelchair to Correct for One-Handed Use. Joshua C. Nipper Mark M. Wasfy April 05, 2000 http://vubme.vuse.vanderbilt.edu/group22_99. Project Details. Advisor: Aimee Eppler, Teacher at the Harris-Hillman School of Special Education

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Modification of a Wheelchair to Correct for One-Handed Use

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  1. Modification of a Wheelchair to Correct for One-Handed Use Joshua C. Nipper Mark M. Wasfy April 05, 2000 http://vubme.vuse.vanderbilt.edu/group22_99

  2. Project Details • Advisor: Aimee Eppler, Teacher at the Harris-Hillman School of Special Education • Subject: Mario - A 10 year old male, height 4’6”, weight 70 lbs. Severe Cerebral Palsy, leading to very poor co-ordination and physical ability

  3. The Problem • Mario’s lack of coordination impairs his ability to control his wheelchair • Currently, Mario uses one hand (right) to push his chair and spins in a circle • Wheelchair design needs to compensate for both physical AND mental disability

  4. Design Constraints • One-Handed Use • Allows, limited, steering control along with straight forward motion • Simplicity • Comprehendible by mentally handicapped user • Time • Cost efficiency • Donated materials and limited budget

  5. Solution: Two part, overrunning clutch axle system • Overrunning clutch linking left and right axle • Axle braces with bronze bushings mounting wheels parallel

  6. Progress • Designsafe was used to optimize design and safety features • Repairs: Tire inner-tubes, hand grips, cleaning • Machining of steel bronze bushing mounts • Machining of steel clutch converter • Aligning, threading, machining of aluminum mounting brackets • Measuring and cutting of steel axle • Smoothing of steel axle at 1500 rpm • Epoxy of clutch/converter, and bushing mount/mounting bracket • Welding new axle to existing wheel

  7. Cost of Prototype • Wheelchair and Clutch - Donated • Repair Items: Grips and Inner-tubes: $16.00 • Bronze Bushings: $15.00 • Aluminum Mounting Brackets: $18.00 • Steel mounts/connectors: $25.00 • Steel Axle: $4.00 • Misc.: $13.00 • TOTAL: $101.00

  8. Future Work • Finalize Axle Connections • Replace temporary cotter pins with nuts/bolts • Customizing Wheelchair Specific to Mario • Relocation of parking brake • Seat belt modification • Secure arm rests in down position • Implement / Test Design

  9. Conclusions • Mario’s problem • Design restraints • Design solution

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

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