Free Wheely
Our design challenge was to create a one-arm driven manual wheelchair. The user had to be able to steer, brake, and propel the wheelchair using only one arm. The wheelchair had to comply with all ADA safety regulations and requirements. The goal of this project was to enable independent transportation for wheelchair users with limited function in one arm, as well as increase the usability of manual wheelchairs for all users.
I was the Mechanical Integration Co-lead for this interdisciplinary team, organizing the overall layout of wheelchair, leading fabrication, and directing analysis and test. Furthermore, I researched through observation and interviews the issues with manual wheelchairs for individuals with limited limb mobility, incorporating the findings into our design.
Senior Design Capstone Project
Mechanical/Biomedical Eng.
Fall 2016-Spring 2017
Best Overall Team:
Rice University Bioengineering Design Showcase 2017
PHOTO GALLERY
CAD conceptualization
Final product
Design competition poster
Best overall team award
Deconstructing a wheelchair to use for our device
Performing CAD of structure
Lathing propulsion supports
Final welded structure
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of deformation
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of deformation
Propulsion rapid prototype
Propulsion box
Toggle switch to control steering
Linear actuator for steering
Full scale prototype of propulsion
