Low-cost low-tech obstacle pushing/gliding wheelchair accessory

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Assistive Technology Design
• Biomedical Device Fabrication

Background:

• Wheelchair users face challenges with manual doors and obstacles.
• Existing high-tech solutions are often lab-restricted and not commercially viable.
• A previously modeled low-tech accessory aimed to address these navigation difficulties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and test the first-generation prototype of a low-tech wheelchair accessory.
• To evaluate the accessory's effectiveness in assisting wheelchair navigation.
• To assess the mechanical robustness of its components, including 3D printed fasteners.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication using conventional manufacturing, off-the-shelf parts, and 3D printed ABS fasteners.
• Stress analysis simulations for fasteners connecting the accessory to the wheelchair frame.
• Proof-of-concept testing of the prototype on a powered wheelchair against a door and an obstacle (∼50 N resistance).

Main Results:

• The prototype successfully pushed open doors, facilitating easier navigation.
• The accessory effectively pushed and glided against obstacles.
• 3D printed fasteners demonstrated mechanical robustness.
• The accessory is foldable and detachable.

Conclusions:

• The low-cost, low-tech accessory enhances wheelchair user quality of life.
• The accessory provides an engineering perspective on improved mobility.
• Potential applications extend to scooters, walkers, and stretchers.