Wheelchair. Design, Materials and Manufacture - Essay Example

Design, Materials and Manufacture of the Project) Product Design Specification and Concept Design (Sub of the Table of Contents 1. Introduction.. . Page No: 3 2. Product Designing Process... Page No: 4 & 5& 6 3. Electric wheelchairs . Page No: 6 & 7 & 8 4. Mind controlled Wheelchairs.. Page No: 8 & 9 5. Robotic Wheel chairsPage No : 9 & 10 6. Designing of economic and most reliable Wheelchairs. Page No: 10 & 11 7. Designing of wheelchairs which can climb stairs..Page No: 11 & 12 8. ConclusionPage No : 12 & 13 9. Reference.Page NO: 14 Introduction The design of a product specifies its requirements. This is absolutely true in the case of wheelchairs. On hearing the name wheelchair its design will instantly appear in everybody's mind since it is too common. Wheelchair is a manually operated device which never needs any other external energy. This equipment is so economical and its operational features are so simple. They are commonly used in nursing homes for evacuating patients from one location to the other. The facilities provided in a wheel chair is in view to care patient and the seats are with large fleets. The design of a wheel chair is in such a way to make it move either by the patient himself or by any supporter by pushing. This provides independence and self sufficiency among disabled persons. Moreover the wheelchair has a remarkable role in the transportation process of disabled persons. Today there are different varieties of wheel chairs and the consumer can choose the apt one according to his convenience and requirements. In order to meet the various requirements of the disabled persons the wheelchairs can be classified as follows. They are manual wheelchairs, light weight wheelchairs, ultra light weight wheelchairs, standard wheelchairs, recliner wheelchairs, sport wheelchairs, heavy duty wheelchairs, tilt wheelchairs and wheelchairs run by artificial power. With respect to their function and facilities the current varieties are far forward than the past ones. Introduction of superfine materials and high class seat cushion technologies in the current varieties of wheelchairs have created remarkable variations from the older ones. Product designing process Comparing to past years experience the process of designing different variety of convenient wheel chairs has taken remarkable improvement. Among these varieties there are wheelchairs which can be operated to climb on stairs and barriers with out any difficulty. A wheelchair having adjustable seat dimension are highly welcomed by the users allover the world. Hence it is high time to think about manufacturing wheelchairs having skilled caring facilities with respect to various environmental conditions. But nowadays people prefer light weight wheelchairs which have advanced adjustments and facilities. Moreover they have started choosing pleasing varieties to have beautiful look. Lighter chairs are highly reliable and provide maximum mobility to the concerned disabled person. Since these wheelchairs are the life long equipments to be used by them it will be better to design varieties which can meet their maximum requirements under highly functional and reliable conditions. To cope up these requirements the wheelchairs can be designed with respect to environmental friendly techniques so that maximum advantages regarding convenience can be attained. The suitable and easy way to implement this technique is to choose environmental friendly material for manufacturing the wheelchairs. The traditional wheel chairs are often with fixed and large wheel bases. If the seats are to be adjusted according to requirements they can be fixed on proper rail rods with the help of small wheels or any adjustable mechanisms. Another adjustable part of the wheel chair is its seat's frame. One of the side frames can be fixed on to the driving side wheel and the other part of the frame can be fixed to the guide wheel. This mechanical device enables the wheelchair frame to adjust horizontally according to requirements. In order to compensate the seating arrangement there must be adequate adjustments on wheels also. These adjustments are to maintain equilibrium on the weight distribution process on wheels. Wheel chairs must have high grade stability because these devices are to be mobilized through surfaces having slopes or sometimes need to take quick turns with respect to the requirements. The adjustable mechanism in wheel chairs facilitate them to move through all types of entrances such as narrow or small with respect to requirements. In the category of seat adjustable wheelchairs the height adjustable devices are commonly employed in the transportation purposes. The seating height of the wheelchair can be adjusted with respect to the convenience of the person to be seated. Here the wheels of the device can be removed by simple axel adjustments and can be accommodated in the storage place of a car if required. The cast aluminum seat cradles are used in almost all types of seat adjustable wheelchairs. The fine adjustments in the seat axel enable the seat arrangements so convenient and simple. Since the components of the wheel chair is of cast aluminum they are light in weight and can be transported so easily. The carbon steel frame painted with metallic emulsion make the device highly durable and the process of special welding mechanism makes the joints of the device so strong. Moreover the threaded seat screws minimize the stripping from upholstery changes. The back wheels and front wheels of the device are capable to skip out the dirt and this quality provides a better durability to the wheel chair. Other added features are padded nylon armrests and fork housing with sealed bearings. The wheel chairs which can be subjected to vertical adjustments on the seat can be fixed by anti-rotation devices after proper adjustments. These wheel chairs are characterized by means of guide wheels forward or reversed with drive wheels forward. This facility enables them to use on rough surfaces as well as surfaces which are uneven in nature. The perspective designing is the common suitable methodology for the process of manufacturing advanced styled wheelchairs. This methodology is mainly based on formulation of problems, generation of ideas and production based on prototype systems. All these steps are the subsidiaries of the multi-step linear process. Moreover highly educated and research oriented experts are the inevitable factors for the process of designing advanced wheelchairs. In this new methodology each design is subjected to subsequent prototype evaluation to find out the additional advantages can be developed from the previous ones. The altogether outcome of this designing process is the production of inexpensive, cost effective, efficient and durable varieties of advanced wheelchairs. Thus the perspective designing process of the wheelchairs enables to minimize risks hiding in the manufacture of costly varieties which requires high capital investment programs. Hence the perspective organizing and designing process is highly welcomed in all types of manufacturing industries nowadays. Electric wheelchairs Latest researches have developed certain remarkable, pleasing features in the manufacture of Electric wheel chairs. On viewing these wheelchairs we can understand that the person who has designed this vehicle might have conducted tremendous research and thought on behalf of the design of the same. Since this wheelchair is operated by electricity it cannot be used widely for outside purposes. This type of vehicle is ideal for using for homely requirements. The seat of this wheelchair resembles the seat in a luxury car. Hence the wheelchair appears as a padded cushioned chair. The design of the wheelchair has got great influence on the life style of the disabled person. So, those disabled who have experienced on electric wheelchairs will have too much reluctance in using other types of ordinary wheelchairs. The electric wheel chairs are more or less similar to Wheel chairs run by power. They are also known as power scooters for the disabled. They can also run by electricity if the disability scooter is meant for using within the premises of the house. They are mainly three wheel scooters and four wheel ones. The main advantage of these vehicles is that they provide maximum mobility to the users during driving. Another feature of this disabled scooter is that its components are assembled in such a way to mantle and dismantle so easily for the purpose of easy transportation. In the three wheels scooter wheelchairs there are certain devices to adjust seats and back support if required. To adjust with respect to arms length of the various disabled persons there is comfortable tiller adjustments. The key pad analog will be user friendly and the seats will be so comfortable which can be adjusted properly. On either side of the sliding seat the scooter has got arms rest associated with flip-ups. They can be adjusted with respect to height, width and angle. The disabled scooters are also provided with turn signals in addition to tail lights. The signal turns are capable to assure maximum security to the user when he needs take a turn. Chromed steel bumper of the scooter provides protection against scratches and serves as a lift handle. The onoff key is a switch which can be very conveniently operated. In addition to oxygen tank and crutch holder the vehicle has got a powerful reliable engine. The small wheels using in these scooters are of superior quality. The frame of the vehicle has got lifetime warranty. Moreover the assembling and disassembling mechanism of this scooter component are so simple. The four wheel mobility scooter is a high class disables scooter and is figured by numerous remarkable features. This type of scooter is provided with foldable tiller, deluxe variety seats and comfortable arms rest which are beautifully padded. As if in the three wheel scooters the hand adjustments are very easy and comfortable. This four wheeler scooter has got special hazards light in addition to usual turn signals, head lights and tail lights. The body of the vehicle is protected from scratches by means of chromed steel bumper which also serves the purpose of a lift handle. In order to make the operation so simple the onoff mechanism is under the control of a convenient switch arrangement. In addition to additional oxygen tank holder the vehicle is also provided with crutch holder. The engine is powerful and reliable. The warranty on the frame will Since these wheelchairs are too expensive they cannot be afforded by ordinary people, so that these varieties have not got much popularity in the market of wheelchairs. From this we can understand that the disabled people give priority to their primary needs rather than expensive and luxury facilities. As far the disabled persons are concerned the purpose of wheelchair is not a time being one. They have to depend on wheel chairs throughout in their life if anything miracle has not happened. So the process of designing of wheelchair should be in such a way to assist their disability and also to match their requirements. Mind controlled Wheelchairs The mind controlled wheelchair is the result of perspective researching and designing process. This wheel chair is a boon to physically disabled persons whose minds are working properly. The main component of the wheelchair is a graphical computerized interface which can display the basic movements with respect to commands. The commands are the by products of the decisions of the user on which he concentrates. The rider head of the wheelchair is equipped with powerful sensor which is capable to collect the control thoughts of the user through unique changes from EEG waves and tell the chair to move in the proper direction. The sensor heads which has got laser power quality scans the environment properly and give proper instruction to the rider head to avoid collision while moving. Since this is a mind controlled wheelchair, the techniques using to collect the decisions of the mind is electronically based. For this requirement the user has to wear a cap on his head which contains numerous terminals which in turn are connected to the sensors. The sensor is also provided with EEG system which analyzes the signals from the brain of the user and directs the rider head to which direction it should be moved. The electricity running through the brain is the outcome of the decisions of the user and the reading of the electric waves is the basis of controlling wheel chair. In this wheelchairs if the waves reading system is failed, then the rider head fails to collect symbols from the source and sometimes leads the riding system into accidents. Hence, proper checking is essential with respect to this electronic system before subjecting the vehicle for the ride. Robotic Wheel chairs Anther type of wheelchair called transformable robotic wheel chair is also found useful in the case of disabled persons. This is the highly sophisticated vehicle in the category of wheel chairs. They are manufactured in view to the high demands which may arise in future. This is also known as ultra modern robotic bed and is very much helpful for severely disabled persons. Partly lowering and partly rising mechanism of the bed is achieved when a motor unit beneath the Robotic bed starts sliding. This transformation in the bed portion of the Robotic Wheel bed makes the Robotic canopy to rise simultaneously. This vehicle is also equipped with a screen which can provide the benefit of a television, a controller which is meant for home application and a camera viewer for home security purposes. Human robot interface technologies are the backbone of the operation of the whole system. This is nothing but very simple operation which can be performed without any serious training. There are certain adjustments by which the interactive interface of the vehicle can be converted into a comfortable Wheelchair. The drive controller of the wheelchair is so advanced that the vehicle can be driven by any disabled person having minimum movable capability. If the Robotic vehicle has to be converted into the bed model from its wheelchair position, the same can also be performed perfectly by the disabled person by means of instructional controlling. Designing of economic and most reliable Wheelchairs In developing countries a mobility lab has been formed to design wheelchairs with sophisticated leverage applications in the manufacturing process. For this purposes inexpensive bicycle parts are recommended. In this case the movement of the wheel chair is affected by means of lever and cycle chain mechanisms in an associated form. Since these two are the key components of the wheelchair it seldom needs any major repair and so the maintenance effort is totally none. This wheelchair can be modified as either three- wheeler or four-wheeler according to convenience. The main advantage of this wheelchair is that there is no need of fuel to operate or ride. Moreover like ordinary wheelchairs there is no need of a second person to pull it or ride. This lever mechanism allows the wheelchair to move over muddy and rocky areas without any difficulty. These types of wheel chairs are in high demand in developing countries. In order to meet the high demands, the developing countries have been giving orders to local production centers of wheel chairs. This wheelchair is a suitable example for the environmental friendly type. In certain types the pedals in the ordinary type bicycles are arranged in such a way to operate by hands. These types are meant for those who are disabled below their hip region. By operating these wheelchairs by hands they can be made capable to perform certain jobs like newspaper supply, milk supply, lottery sales and home deliveries from catering sections. If any carrier van can be attached to such wheel chairs they can also perform transportation of articles or goods within shorter distances. Thus this environmental friendly designs are very useful to gain living means as far as the common disabled persons are concerned. The multi-advantages and its economic nature in cost and maintenance made it a friend to all common disabled persons. Hence these are the widely using wheelchairs world wide. Designing of wheelchairs which can climb stairs The people who have been using wheelchairs for fulfilling their life requirements can rely on elastic wheelchairs for a satisfactory performance. This vehicle is adaptable with respect to the requirements and environments. The main feature of this type of wheel chair is that the wheels of the vehicle can be managed by applying pressure on the handle vertically. This is manufactured by means of polyurethane material which is a durable plastic product. The tires and rims of the wheels are made of Pur Elastomer material which has got the quality of high flexibility. Moreover this quality helps the wheels to overcome shock disturbances to a great deal. The wheels can be made to possess the elliptical or oval shape by applying pressure on the handle of the concerned wheelchairs. These peculiar features help the vehicle to climb on stairs and barriers with out any difficulty. As a booster to this mechanism the handle bar is made of soft polyurethane material. These adjustable wheels of the wheelchairs help the user tackle a lot of hurdles and assist them as a faithful friend throughout their life. Since the wheels of the vehicle can be adjusted to overcome obstacles they can be conveniently used in unsteady surfaces. In the case of climbing stairs the user of the wheelchair adjust the back wheels of the vehicle facing the steps. Then by using the hand rail, the front wheels are made to rotate over the back wheels to move a step upwards and likewise back wheels also made to rotate over the front wheel to move one more step upwards. By applying wheels to move alternately over the other the user can reach upstairs by covering stairs. For coming downwards the front wheels are adjusted facing the steps. Then move back wheel over the front wheel so that the vehicle moves one step downwards and next the front wheel over the back wheel to run one more step downwards. By continuing this process alternatively the user can also reach downstairs. To make the user to operate it for climbing stairs tremendous training is necessary. First they can try the process by the help of another person. The qualities they needed to succeed in this training are high willpower and courage. During this effort they must keep away the fear of falling down. This can be achieved by allowing a person to stand by the side of the wheelchair while doing the operation until the user gets full confidence over the process of stairs climbing and getting down. Proper experience in wheel operations enables any disabled person to elevate his wheelchair to any considerable height from any type of places. The seating equipments of the concerned wheelchairs are modernized by means Poly Carbonate and these are filled with Technogeel. Here the main body of the vehicle is composed of Thermoplastic Polyurethane material. The invention of transformable and flexible wheels has developed revolutionary changes in the history of wheel chairs. They could do a lot in easing the common problems of disabled persons and persuaded them to act together with persons who are not disabled. The production of stair climbing wheel chair has created too many remarkable differences in the life of disabled persons and made confident that the invention would enable them to be self reliant throughout their life. Thus the researches and modern techniques have facilitated the disables to be naturally healthy without developing any sign of depression. Conclusion Even though a lot of researches and analysis have been taking place in the designing process of Wheelchairs it has to be modernized with new facilities which can be afforded by common men. The above mentioned robotic wheelchairs, mind controlled wheelchairs and electric wheel chairs are designed for special type of requirements. Ordinary wheelchairs meant for common men are yet to be modernized with respect to the current requirements. We want to request scientists to develop wheelchairs which can provide proper pelvic and spinal support to the users. The overall designing of the wheelchairs must be so comfortable to them in all respects. References Adams, Christina L, adjustable matrix wheelchair seat , viewed on 20, feb 2010, http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6536791.html Adjustable wheelbase wheel chair,(july,21,1998), viewed on 21,feb,2010,http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/5782483/description.html Archinspire,Transformable Robotic Bed wheelchair,viewed on 22,feb,2010,http://archinspire.com/home-design/transformable-robotic-bed-into-wheelchair-design.htm. Synkov, Aleksey,Hatch, Joshua, Pischel,Meagan,Sparks robb,(feb,2005), expandable wheel chair, viewed on 20, feb 2010, http://web.cecs.pdx.edu/far/me492/Sample%20PDS%20Reports/Keen%20PDS%20Report.pdf Transformable wheelchair designe by Casper,Schmitz, http://blog8blogs.blogspot.com/2009/07/transformable-wheel-chair-design-by.html Wheelchair with adjustable frame, viewed on 21,feb 2010,http://www.freepatentsonline.com/5743545.html Wilkins, David july,2008),Trekinetic: Reinventing the wheelchair, viewed on 20, feb 2010, http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/trekinetic-reinventing-the-wheelchair-858190.html Read More