Wheelchair Attachable System for Stepping UP

Abstract

A methodology to apply contemporary mechanism design and synthesis tools to the modeling and development of a mechanical device that provides improved wheelchair mobility over vertical obstacles is presented in this paper. An advanced technique in design concept selection, Pugh Analysis, was utilized as a process to formulate, categorize and rank various design alternatives with respect to criteria such as design targets and constraints. An ADAMS model was developed to simulate the kinematics of the mechanism design selected. Simulation modeling confirmed that an initial feasible mechanism design concept that met or exceeded customer expectations had been achieved. Additional design optimization, design reliability and robustness opportunities are presented as potential follow-on efforts.