Modification of a Wheelchair to Correct for One-Handed Use Joshua C. Nipper Mark M. Wasfy February 25,

Project Details zAdvisor: Aimee Eppler, Teacher at the Harris-Hillman School of Special Education zSubject: Mario - A 10 year old male, height 4’6”, weight 85 lbs. Severe Cerebral Palsy, leading to very poor co- ordination and physical ability

The Problem zMario’s lack of coordination impairs his ability to control his wheelchair zCurrently, Mario uses one hand to push his chair and spins in a circle

Previous Work: 2 Solutions zSolution A: The wheels would be joined by an axle facilitating straight movement, and a hand brake would be used for steering zSolution B: The wheels would be joined by an axle, but steering would be limited to straight and forward or backwards and turning

Previous Work: Repairs zNew tire inner tubes zExpand padding and harness zFoam hand grip zMiscellaneous nuts and bolts

Current Work: Designsafe zDesignsafe was used to optimize design and safety features

Modified Solution: Lever Propulsion System zA clutch-lever system which when pushed forward propels the chair, and when pulled backward does nothing zBy pulling inward on the lever the connected axle will disengage and only the right wheel will spin, turning the chair

Solution Blueprint

Future Work zApply Necessary Repairs zDetermine Optimal Gear Ratio zImplement / Test Design zEnsure Proper Safety Features are in Place zFinish/Optimize Easy Gear Removal Design for tire exchange zFinish Wheel Auto-Breaking Mechanism

Conclusions zMario’s problem zOptimal solution zFeasibility of solution (Easy to assemble, very cost effective)

Thanks: zAimee Eppler, Harris Hillman School zDr. Robert Joel Barnett, Research Associate in Mechanical Engineering, VUSE zPhil Davis, VUSE Machinist