Modification of a Wheelchair to Correct for One-Handed Use Joshua C. Nipper Mark M. Wasfy April 05,

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 70 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 (right) to push his chair and spins in a circle zWheelchair design needs to compensate for both physical AND mental disability

Design Constraints zOne-Handed Use yAllows, limited, steering control along with straight forward motion zSimplicity yComprehendible by mentally handicapped user zTime zCost efficiency y Donated materials and limited budget

Solution: Two part, overrunning clutch axle system zOverrunning clutch linking left and right axle zAxle braces with bronze bushings mounting wheels parallel

Progress zDesignsafe was used to optimize design and safety features zRepairs: Tire inner-tubes, hand grips, cleaning zMachining of steel bronze bushing mounts zMachining of steel clutch converter zAligning, threading, machining of aluminum mounting brackets zMeasuring and cutting of steel axle zSmoothing of steel axle at 1500 rpm zEpoxy of clutch/converter, and bushing mount/mounting bracket zWelding new axle to existing wheel

Cost of Prototype zWheelchair and Clutch - Donated zRepair Items: Grips and Inner-tubes: $16.00 zBronze Bushings: $15.00 zAluminum Mounting Brackets: $18.00 zSteel mounts/connectors: $25.00 zSteel Axle: $4.00 zMisc.: $13.00 zTOTAL: $101.00

Future Work zFinalize Axle Connections yReplace temporary cotter pins with nuts/bolts zCustomizing Wheelchair Specific to Mario yRelocation of parking brake ySeat belt modification ySecure arm rests in down position zImplement / Test Design

Conclusions zMario’s problem zDesign restraints zDesign solution

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