Wheelchair wheels for use on sand

Area of Science:

• Engineering
• Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation Technology

Background:

• Wheelchair mobility is significantly impaired on challenging terrains like sand.
• Existing wheelchair designs often struggle with uneven surfaces, limiting user independence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate methods for improving wheelchair performance on sandy surfaces.
• To identify design modifications that reduce rolling resistance for attendant-propelled wheelchairs.

Main Methods:

• Conducted tests using a simple prototype wheelchair.
• Performed model tests and theoretical calculations to analyze forces and resistance.
• Evaluated the impact of different wheel configurations and propulsion methods.

Main Results:

• Pulling the wheelchair, rather than pushing, reduces rolling resistance on sand.
• A ball wheel at the front of the wheelchair enhances mobility.
• Standard large-diameter rear wheels provide acceptable performance on sand.

Conclusions:

• Specific design adjustments can substantially improve wheelchair maneuverability on sand.
• A prototype device integrating a ball wheel has been designed based on test findings.
• These advancements aim to enhance the accessibility and usability of wheelchairs in challenging environments.