Design and Evaluation of a New Light-Weight Folding Wheelchair

• Main Authors: Po-Hsiu Kuo, 郭柏修
• Other Authors: Sai-Wei Yang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2006
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/21711080315670043342

碩士 === 國立陽明大學 === 復健科技輔具研究所 === 94 === The average living life has been extended since 1993 in Taiwan, due to improvement of medicare and living quality. The aging elderly have their life extended but also suffer degeneration of physical body. Mobility is the major issue for the elderly, the portable and easy operation wheelchair is needed as a moving aids. The purpose of this study was to design a new light weight folding wheelchair mainly for easy transportation and handling. To achieve the goal of this study, Quality Function Development (QFD) was applied first to acquire the need of end-user. Combined the information with pattern search and analysis, the concept of new design was then executed using Pro-E a computer design package for detail component drawing and inspection of parts interface. A sample was then manufacture using Aluminum alloy 6061 as a main structure. A computer simulation using ADAMS was used to exam the strength of structure that meets the ISO 7176-8 standard. An iso-Dummy of 100 Kg weight was used for static footrest and handle static loading, as well as impact test in traveling speed of 3.6m/s. The result of QFD revealed the complaints of current commercial products such: heavy, bulging, and light weight design and easy folding were first user priority. The result of computer simulation in static footrest downward loading showed the maximum joint force of 1487 N was located at the intersection of caster folk and wheel axis (Joint 26). In upper ward footrest loading, the maximum joint force of 2661 N was at T-intersection joint (Joint 3 and 4). For push handle upper loading, a maximum of 3811N force was at sliding rod and T-intersection joint (Joint 10), followed by chair chase and X-hinge intersection (Joint 17, 3663 N). In normal navigation speed with 100Kgs weight the force at X-hinge was about 2058N (Joint 37). In impact test, a maximum of 9607N was located at two sides of X-hinge (Joint 1, and 2) and chase joints 7, 20, and 41. X-hinge was the weakest point with maximum stress of 191 Mpa. The new designed wheelchair had the structure strength meet all requirements and the simple operation time was 13 times less than a commercial product with comparable dimension. This aluminum 6061 made wheelchair is strong enough to meet the ISO standard.