Thesis Research Report

8/3/2019 Thesis Research Report

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RECREATION WITHOUT LIMIT

DESIGN FOR PEOPLE WITH LOWER EXTREMITY DISABIL


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"Disabled people are equally entitled to an exciting and

future. We must see to it that we remove the obst

whether they stem from poor access to facilities; poor ed

lack of transport; lack of funding; or unavailability of equ

Only then will the rights of the disabled to equal oppo

become a reality. "

--Nelson

Ex-President of Sou


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROJECT OVERVIEW.......................................................................6-7

MARKET RESEARCH....................................................................8-37

TARGET USERS

STAKEHOLDERSUSER RESEARCH

ABOUT PEOPLE WITH LOWER EXTREMITY DISABILITIES

NETWORK EVENTS

USER OBSERVATIONS

SURVEYS

DESIGN OPPORTUNITIES

PERSONAS

COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS............................................................38-43

HUMAN FACTORS......................................................................52-65

PROBLEM STATEMENT

HYPOTHESIS

GOALS

TECHNOLOGY..............................................................................41-51

NEW MATERIALS

ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM

SUSPENSION AND SHOCK SYSTEM

RANGE OF MOTION

SEAT HEIGHTFUNCTIONAL REACH

STRENGTH

HAND MEASUREMENT

MATERIALS AND PROCESSES.............................................

CONCEPTS................................................................................

INITIAL IDEAS

CONCEPT 1 ROAD SKITE

CONCEPT 2 BENT HANDCYCLE

CONCEPT3 SITTING POGO

PRODUCT REQUIREMENT DOCUMENT...............................

MATERIALS

METALS

POLYMERS & ELASTOMERS

OTHERS

PROCESSES

SCHEDULE AND PLAN..........................................................

REFERENCES........................................................................11

PLAN FOR THE WINTER

WEEKLY SCHEDULE FOR SPRING 2012


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Due to all kinds of barriers, such as lack of time, unsuit

local facilities and difficulties with transport, most peo

lower extremity disabilities prefer staying in their neighb

and lack the motivation to do sports. However, in th

environment there are not many choices for particip

exciting activities. These problems create the need

equipment designed to fulfill their demand for exc

without barriers and gain motivation to do sports.

PROBLEM STATEMENT

HYPOTHESIS IFa product, device, and/or system can bring an exh

sports and recreational experience to people wit

extremity disabilities and make these sports more acces

them,

THEN these people will get more opportunities to en

sports and be more encouraged to have active lifestyles.

GOALS To design sports and recreational equipment for peolower extremity disabilities that can address the followin

Allow users to have an exhilarating sports and recr

experience, like catching air, in their neighborhood

Can be used by both able-bodied people and disabled

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Of the 43 million Americans with disabilities, approximately 38% have limited mobility. While

sports and recreation have value in everyone's life, they are even more important in the life of a

person with a disability. This is because of the rehabilitative inuence sport can have, not only

on the physical body, but also on rehabilitating people with a disability into society. Furthermore,

sports teach independence. People with lower extremity disabilities meet more barriers than

able-bodied people, which makes sports and recreation more difcult for them. Providing them

with more opportunities is very important. They also have the right to enjoy recreation without

limits.

The product or system proposed for this thesis project is sports and recreational equipment that

will bring exhilaration to people with lower extremity disabilities. This product will help these

people do exercise despite their physical limitations. It will be a universal design that is also

suitable for able-bodied people.


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MARKET RESEARCH

When first faced with the reality of a disability, many people, especially young people,

experience a loss of condence, depression, and believe that their lives have ended. Because

there is no positive shared experience, they are often alienated from family and friends. Adapted

sports and recreation offers the opportunity to achieve success in a very short time period. They

can then use this success to build self-condence and focus on possibilities instead of dwelling

on what can no longer be done.

Adaptive sports improve skills and physical abilities. They allow individuals to experience theexcitement and the thrill of victory, as well as the agony of defeat.

Now some sports such as chairing, sit skiing, 4 cross, body surfing, skydiving, and chair

racing are starting to gain more attention all over the world. More and more people with lower

extremity disabilities are getting involved in exhilarating adaptive sports.

However, this eld is still limited. Currently only those programs in the Paralympic Games, like

sit skiing and chair racing, have enough products. For other sports, especially those which can

be played in the neighborhood, there are only a few concepts and prototypes.

Comparison of Popular Sport and Adaptive Sport

Popular Sport Adaptive Sport Archery Wheelchair Archery

Hiking Hand-Pedaled Biking

Hunting Paint Ball

Horseback Riding Carriage Driving

Water Skiing Sit Skiing

Biking Hand Cycling

Volleyball Sit Volleyball

Tennis Sit Tennis

Bowling Boccia

Ice Hockey Sled Hockey

Competitive Dance Wheelchair Dance

Swimming Boogie Boarding, Kayaking

Sailing Canoeing

Golng Miniature Golng

Snow Skiing Snowmobiling, Adaptive Skiing

Darts Blow Darts

Basketball Wheelchair BasketballSoccer Power Soccer

Downhill Skiing Cross- country Skiing,Ice Skating

Running Walking


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TARGET USERS

People with lower extremity disabilities and good upper body strength

Able-bodied people who like to try adaptive sports

Male and female

15-25 (May also include big kids)

STAKE HOL

Access Options

Adaptive Action Sports

Adaptive Athletes Association

Adaptive Sports Center

Bay Area Outreach and Recreational Program

Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors

Challenged Athletes Foundation

Disabled Sports USA

Extreme Abilities

Free Wheelchair Mission

Mobility Works

Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco

International Paralympic Committee

International Sports Organization for the Disabled

Sun Valley Adaptive Sports

The Arc San Francisco

The American Association of Adapted Sports Programs

United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay

Wheelchair & Ambulatory Sports

Wheelchair Dance Association

Wheelchair Foundation

Wheelchair Sports USA

Wheelchair Success Foundation

YMCA

Youth with Disabilities San Francisco

ORGNAZATIONS

MANUFACTURES Achievable Concepts Pty Ltd.Adapt-Solutions Ltd.

B&D Independence, Inc.

Flexiciser

Freedom Factory

Invacare Corporation

Spin Life

Spokesn motion

Sport Aid

Sun Valley Adaptive Sports

Theracycle


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STAKE HOLDERS

INDUSTRY EXPERTS Therapists

Candace Kim

Occupation Therapist of VA hospital

Dorothea Sterling

Physical Therapist of VA hospitalMarcia Lizza

Recreation Therapist of VA hospital

Patricia Ruppelt

Physical Therapist of VA hospital

Paul J. Corcoran

Physical Therapist, Specialist of Independent Living and

Disability Rights

Michill L. Cummings

Physical Therapist of A.B. Ingham Medical Therapy Unit

Rehab Equipment Experts

Larry Rice

Rehab Equipment Specialist

Murray Slagerman

Rehab supplier of Ki Mobility

Richard Brooks

Owner of All American Fitness

Service for Disabled People

Walter Delson

ERSEA Coordinator of Through the Looking Glass

Craig Issod

Coordinator of the Arc San Francisco

Derek Zarda

Coordinator of ILRCSF

INDUSTRY EXPERTS Adaptive Sports Experts

Trooper Johnson

Youth Sports Coordinator of BORP

Jonathan Newman

Adult Sports Coordinator of BORPSanjuana Padilla

Youth Outreach and Transitions Support Specialist of BOR

Pat Addabbo

Program Supervisor of Adaptive Sports Center

Ann Elias

Project Manager of United Cerebral Palsy of the North Ba

Julia Rumpf

Organizer of BAADS

Daniel Gale

Founder of Adaptive Action Sports

Travis Ricks

Programs Coordinator of Challenged Athletes Foundation

Cheryl Collins

Disabled Sports USA

Designers and Engineers

Rani Lueder

Certied Professional Ergonomist of Humanics ErgoSyste

John Sheridan

Designer of Grew-Sheridan Studio

David L. Jaffe

MS Course Lecturer & Student Project Coach of S

University

Michael Augspurger

One-off Handcycles

Peter Axelson

Benecial Designs

STAKE HOL


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USER RESEARCH

It is very important for the designer to have a good understanding of the people who will use

it. I got in touch with these users to learn their lifestyles and the challenges they met. In order

to get this information, I participated in several network meetings related to adaptive sports,

disability rights and design. I also found several online and offline communities of my target

users and got a lot of feedback through the process.

During this semester, I met the target users face to face and had contact with lots of experts.

ABOUT PEOPLE WITH LOWER EXTREMITY DISAB

SPINAL CORD INJURY Spinal cord injuries typically result from major trauma frovehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries, and violence. Th

most common cause of lower extremity disabilities. Mos

get spinal cord injuries around 19.

Any injury between T7 and S5 will make a person becomextremity disabled. A complete spinal cord injury of this

result in no leg function at all. In other words the person

stand up. But people with this kind of disability alwa

good upper body strength and have a normal upper body

motion.


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ABOUT PEOPLE WITH LOWER EXTREMITY DISABILITIES

POLIO

SPINA BIFIDA

ANKYLOSIS

Spina bifida is a birth defect. It occurs when the bones of the

spine do not form properly around part of the spinal cord. In most

cases, it will result in muscle weakness. And in severe cases, it

can make walking or daily activities hard to do without help.

Polio, short for poliomyelitis, is a disease caused by three

polio viruses which can damage the nervous system and cause

paralysis. It may result death. Those who survive may experience

muscle weakness and need assistive equipment.

Ankylosis is a stiffness of a joint due to abnormal adhesion and

rigidity of the bones of the joint, which may be the result of

injury or disease. It's a joint problem that can indirectly affect

the muscles. People with lower Ankylosis may need assistive

equipment.

ABOUT PEOPLE WITH LOWER EXTREMITY DISAB

Foot Amputations: This is most commonly a toe am

caused by frostbite. This type of amputation will affect

and balance.

Ankle Disarticulation: This is an amputation of the entir

However, even without the ankle, a person can move

without an prosthesis.

Below-Knee Amputation: This is an amputation above th

but below the knee. Full knee use is retained, but it is

these amputees to put weight on the stump.

Knee-Bearing Amputation: This is a complete remova

lower leg. The stump left is able to hold weight on it,

difcult to create a prosthetic device for the stump.

Above Knee Amputation: This is an amputation in the th

whole body weight can't be held on the stump, but a p

able to sit with this amputation.

Hip Disarticulation: This involves removing the entire le

but surgeons like to leave the upper femur for stabiliplace or a prosthetic device.

Reference: Amputation and Prosthet


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NETWORK EVENTS

Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program Opening Day

September 10, 2011

Berkeley, CA

Hybrid Design: Work & Play

September 22, 2011

San Francisco, CA

Bay Area Association of Disaled Sailor Dinghy Sailing

September 17, 2011

San Francisco, CA

Support for Families of Children with Disablities

September 23, 2011

San Francisco, CA

4th Annual Disability Awareness Day

Octorber 6, 2011

San Jose, CA

Brain Storm Work Shop

October 6, 2011

San Francisco, CA

Inspire Sports Launch

October 22, 2011

San Francisco, CA

Abilities EXPO

November 18-20, 2011

San Jose, CA

USER OBSERVA

AXIS Dance Performance

BORP Opening Day

People with lower extremity disabilities have enough abilities to participate in differ

performance activities.

Sailing with Disa

BOR


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USER OBSERVATIONS USER OBSERVA

Dr. Paul Corcoran's Modied Car for Disa

Travel with WheelchairBORP Winter Program

BORP Summer Program BORP Summer Program

Camping at Livermore

They enjoy sports and recreation in the wilderness like hiking, sit skiing and rowing very much.But most of them only participate in these activities once or twice a year.

Row

Transfer from Wheelchair

Because of their mobility difculties, people with lower extremity disabilities meet more

than able-bodied people. Thats the reason why though they also like outdoor sports,

them still prefer do sports in their neighborhood.


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York University's study. Sample:2293

The most common barriers to sports participation w

of money, health conditions and the unsuitability

sports facilities for people with lower extremity dis

Relatively high proportions of those people cited

disabled facilities generally or lack of suitable faci

their own disabilities. Having no-one to go with and p

with transport were also relatively common.

USER OBSERVA


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A user observation board was made to redene directi

All images and notes were taken from user inte

observations and my own mobility loss simulation.

Thus I rened my three directions to

1. Bring outdoor sports experience to indoor

2. Public tness equipment

3. Personal recreation device

After I showed some ideas of the rst two directions and experts, they thought the users are still confi

small area and the third one has more space to develo

USER OBSERVAT


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USER OBSERVTIONS

What they are doing What the

USER OBSERV


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USER OBSERVTIONS

Their favorite places

From the observations we can see people with lower extremity disabilities are no different from able

bodied people. They even have more desire of freedom. And the most accessible places for them are

wide at areas.

USER OBSERV

Transfer from a wheelchair to a han

Engage the parking brakes Place one leg across the seat Use upper body to transf

Slip into the hand cycle Put legs on the leg rest straps Fasten the guard belt

The hand cycle is the most complex adaptive recreation device till now. To understand the pr

getting in and out of the handcycle is very important.

From these pictures we can see it is a piece of cake for a lower extremity disabled person wupper body strength to transfer from a wheelchair. It is much easier for those who are not wh

users.


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SUR

What activities do you like?

Where do you prefer to play sports?

USER OBSERVTIONS

Transfer from a hand cycle to a wheelchair

Unfasten the guard belt Sit back Pull legs back

Use upper body to sit up Drag the wheelchair closer Transfer to the wheelchair

From the process we can see it's easy to get on and off with the seat height difference of the hand

cycle and wheelchair. The target users also told me the levels of the seat should not be the same.

The brakes are needed to ensure both devices are steady.


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What kind of sporting experience would generate excitement for you?

What kind of personal equipment would you like to choose?

SURVEYS SUR

What features of personal equipment would you choose?

User / Customer Analysis:

Desire for freedom

Preference to sports which can be played in the neighborhood

Preference to a manual equipment, but maybe with assistive power

Desire for activities for able-bodied people only

The position may not be sitting

The target user also mentioned they hope to steer using their chest while pedaling with


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Adaptive Sports in the wilderness

Adaptive Sports in the neighborhood Non-adaptive Sports in the neighborhood

OPPORTUNITIES

DESIGN OPPORTUNITIES

Ray15

Ray is a high school student in Lafayette. Born with

arthrogyposis in his knees and clubfeet, Ray cannot

walk. But that does not affect his love for sports. He isa member of the youth program of Bay Area Outreach

and Recreational Program (BORP), the biggest sport

organization for disabled people in California. Every

Saturday, Ray takes BART to get to BORP's gym

and spends the whole afternoon playing wheelchair

basketball there. He meets his friends with disabilities

and plays with them. After leaving BORP, he is the only

one who uses a wheelchair in his school. His school

doesn't have special equipment for disabled people,

and he feels uneasy to play sports with his able-bodied

peers. That makes him simply do sports in BORP.

Future Scenario:

A new product that allows both disabled and able-

bodied people to enjoy sports together was introduced.

Ray's able-bodied friends also started to use it. Now

Ray still goes to BORP to play wheelchair basketball

with his disabled friends, while outside of BORP, he is

no longer an outsider to his able-bodied friends.

Parker18

Parker used to be the leader of the Track

team at his school. He could run faster tha

his age. However, Parker's spinal cord was a traffic accident when he was 16. Now, wa

him is impossible, let alone running. He has

his wheelchair. Parker never lost his confide

his wheelchair he can still be faster than an

He enjoys several sports and activities. He

wheelchair basketball, power soccer and cha

However, because of the limitations of the

normal sports for disabled people, these thr

are a little boring to him. He still doesn't get

experience as he did when he was on his Track

team. He wants more excitement.

Future Scenario:

Parker received a new product from his parent

a lot of fun with it. He always takes it to the s

uses it. It could response especially well with

tiny upper body movement. He feels that he ca

his feet again. He is satisfied with both its s

exibility.

PERS


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Wendy22

Wendy used to be a skateboarder. She began to play

skateboard since she was in middle school. Now she

is an amputee. Her left leg was amputated because ofMeningococcal Septicemia, a life threatening disease.

She lost her leg, but not her love to skateboard. Now she

still often goes skateboarding with one of her articial

legs, although the feeling is very different. She is also

always looking for new street sports opportunities for

people with lower extremity disabilities.

Future Scenario:

Wendy gets a new device that meets her needs. With it,

she can make full use of her upper body to take part in

challenging and exhilarating activities.

Chyrl25

Cheryl got a job after she graduated from City College.

As a person with lower extremity disabilities, she

really cherishes this work opportunity and works veryhard. She used to take BART to a gym far away to play

wheelchair basketball every weekend and sometimes

she spent three days traveling to other places to enjoy

exciting outdoor activities. However, after she started

his job, she could not find the time to continue to go

to the gym every week, let alone do physical outdoor

activities.

Future Scenario:

After purchased a new sports device, Cheryl can enjoy

sports in her free time in the neighborhood. Now she

does not need to spend time traveling to a far place just

for recreational activities.

PERSONAS

Lowe36

Lowe is an organizer of a lower extremity disabled youth

group in his area. Every winter he organizes a ski trip

in Snow Valley with his group. It's not convenient fora group of people with lower extremity disabilities to

get there. They need to take several weeks to prepare

the equipment and contact volunteers. Recently, most

group members felt tired of the trip and only two or

three people would like to go with Lowe. They had to

give up the whole plan.

Future Scenario:

After Lowe's group purchased new devices for people with lower extremity disabilities that allow them to

enjoy ski style sports on the street, they have started to

have fun nearby. There's no trouble with traveling and

preparing and everyone enjoys the new recreational

activities.

PERS


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Now some adaptive sports such as chairing, sit skiing, 4 cross, body surfing, skydiving, and

power wheelchair racing are starting to gain attention all over the world. More and more people

with lower extremity disabilities are getting involved in adaptive sports.

However, it is still a new area. Now only those programs in Paralympic Games like sit skiing have

enough products. For sports can be played in the neighborhood, we can only nd a few concepts

and prototypes.

There are also some activities only for able-bodied people today. The equipment of these

activities may become adaptive in the future.

COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS

Through the research of exsited competitive products, we can see some key features o

adaptive recreation device.

Light weight

Firmness

Good stability

Good maneuverability

Comfortable rider position

Safety


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Recumbent Handcycle

It can provide great upper body workout and a

sense of freedom for persons with disabilities.

The high cost of these cycles makes them still

relatively rare.Complex structures make it break down easily and

hard to control.

The reclined position is uncomfortable after a long

ride.

Price: $6999

Off-road Racing Hand cycle

Users are in a kneeling position rather than sitting

which reduce the bed sores. The position is more

comfortable than the recumbent hand cycle.

However, if the user is not able to kneel, this cycle

would not work.

Price: $3895

Racing Chair

Racing Chair is a developed product because

wheelchair racing is one of the Paralympic Games'

programs. Unlike regular bicycles, racing chairs do

not have gears. Thus the mechanical structure is

simpler and almost never breaks down. While being

gearless, it is difficult to go up steep slopes, andvery suitable to ride on wide at surfaces.

Price: $3145

Roller Board

Rebuilt from a skateboard, this adaptiv

board allows people with lower ex

disabilities also to enjoy street sports

inflatable tires make it suitable for dterrains. With the poles, the user can get

experience to skiing but on the road.

One-off Handcycle

This is a model built for people in dev

countries. It allows disabled individuals

using their chest while pedaling with their a

Price: $6200

64 Wheel Handcycle

This Hand Cycle is a prototype from a UC B

graduate. On each main wheel, there are 3

PU wheels around the circumference. The

on the board and puts his feet on the fram

uses the inner handles which attached to t

wheels to get around. Inspired by flow bomovement is also very uid. But uidity is

biggest disadvantage which makes the d

difcult to control.


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Attached Handcycle

The front frame is an attached part. After attached

it to the front, a normal manual wheelchair

becomes a hand cycle. Theres no trouble to

transfer from one device to another. While manyusers are afraid if the attached part is rm enough.

Hockey Sled

Sled hockey is a game that was designed to allow

people with lower extremity disabilities to play ice

hockey. The user sits in the bucket and puts his

legs on the leg rest which is adjustable to match

different lengths. Then the user needs to use the

two poles which have metal picks on the butt end

to propel themselves. The high performance makes

more and more fans go to ice skating rink to play

this.

Sit ski

With smooth controlled movement of the seat and

a custom shock component, it provides a precise

feel of the snow. It can be only used on the snow

ground.

Pogo Stick

A pogo stick is a device for jumping up a

in a standing position with the aid of a spr

spring joins two sections of the main bod

extends below the footpads.

price: $25- $200

Power Riser

It's basically a pair of stilts with spring

allow you to do some jumps and flips.

weight of a pair of power riser is 16.5 lb. It

bit heavy and hard to use in the beginning.

Price: $150-$400

With prosthetics, amputees can do anything able-bodied people do. However, for mos

with lower extremity disabilities, it seems there are lots of missions impossible, like j

It's also necessary to know the existed products for able-bodied people in this eld to

adaptive equipment.


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In the process of designing a recreation device for people with lower extremity disabilities, the

most important thing to consider is the performance. So when I did the research of technology, I

paid more attention to the followings:

Shock absorption

Suspension system

Adjustment system

TECHNOLOGY


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ROHO Shape Fitting Technology

Material: Flame resistant neoprene rubber

The new cushion allows for improved pelvic alignment and stability for improved position and

function while maintaining optimal immersion and envelopment of both the ischia tubers ties

and greater trochanters.

Flexible Fusion - Bonded Honeycomb

Material: TPU

The footprint of the flexible cells stimulates capillary action, keeping oxygenated blood in

tissues and combating the numbness that can occur when sitting for long durations. Thus it can

prevent bed sore efciently.

NEW MATERIALS

Elastak

Elastak is a rubber like material with extraordinary anti-vibration and shock ab

properties. Used in sports equipment, Elastak positively inuences stability and almost

reduces negative vibrations. As a result of this, there is less wear and tear on the joints.

Tixotropic textile

Material: tixotropic yarn

Under normal conditions, the crosslinking bonds of the fabric's dilatant silicone coati

and re-form easily, keeping the material soft and flexible. When under sudden impac

bonds are unable to open. The material resists the force and instantly becomes rigid. Th

only lasts for the duration of the impacting force. After the force has been dissipated

the fabric construction, the silicone immediately becomes soft and exible again.

NEW MATE


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Deexion Protective Textile materials

Material: Silicones

These three-dimensional spacer-based high performance sport and protective textile materials

focus on both protection and comfort. The material has been carefully optimized to maximize

impact performance at the lowest possible weight. The openness of the spacer textile facilitates

a exible and breathable material.

d3o shock absorbing technology

This specially engineered material with intelligent molecules that ow with the movement but

on shock lock together to absorb impact energy. Thus it can offer high performance shock

absorption, maximum exibility and trusted protection.

NEW MATERIALS

Linear Actuator System

Easy way to adjust center of gravity to provide users strong stability. For linear actuato

adjust the height and seat depth.

Synchro Mechanism

Easy way to adjust center of gravity to provide users strong stability. For synchro echa

can adjust the height and seat depth.

ADJUSTMENT SY


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Ski-doo suspension technology

The performance suspension technology plays an important role in the handling and stability

of a performance vehicle. The coordination of springs and gas pressures makes every motion

perfect.

SUSPENSION AND SHOCK TECHNOLOGY


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Human factors study is very important to design adaptive recreational equipment. In the

process, I bought a 1/8 scale mannequin and made a 1/4 scale form core model to learn the

range of motion, functional reach and other factors.

Considered for human interaction and product optimization:

HandlesBrakes

Seat height

Reclined positions

Leaning Positions

Sitting Positions

Overhead clearances

HUMAN FACTORS


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Normal Values (in degrees)

RANGE OF MOTION

In order to understand the joint mobility and the maximum abilities of motion, I studied the range of motion.

Range of motion refers to the distance, angle and direction a joint can move to its full potential. Each specic

joint has a normal range of motion that is expressed in degrees.

SEAT H

Seat height is an important dimension for establishing the height of transfer related surfaces. Kee

height of a transfer surface close to the height of a wheelchair seat reduces the effort necessary t

and provides a safer environment.

Occupied seat heights:

19.5 inches for manual chair users

21.2 inches for power chair users

If the goal is to accommodate the mean seat height for each of the manual chair user gr

accommodating range is 19.5 inches - 21.6 inches.

If the goal is to accommodate the 5th percentile occupied manual chair user seat height and

percentile power chair user seat height, the accommodating range is 17 inches - 25 inches.


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Functional Reach

Function Reach is a new clinically accessible measure of balance. It is the difference between arm's length

and maximal forward reach, using a xed base of support.

Functional R

High and low reaches from a wheelchair

Forward approach: High reach: 48 maximum, low reach: 15 minimum

Side reach (with 10 maximum distance between chair and wall): High reach: 54 maximum, low

minimum; however, 15 minimum is preferable

Maximum side reach over a countertop of 24 depth and 34 axiom he ight; High reach: 46


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Functional Reach Str

Strength is the ability to generate muscular tension and to apply it to an external object through th

lever system.


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Strength Hand Measure


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Following is a summary of materials and processes for my possible design directions. High

performance, comfort and shock absorbing are primary concerns regarding the material

selection.

When Im looking for materials, I took some other products materials as references.

The main references are:

Wheelchair

BikeHandcycle

Skateboard

Crutch

Ski board

In the process part, I reviewed the potential manufacturing processes useful for my design

directions.

MATERIALS AND PROCESSES


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MATERIALS-- METALS

Mild Steel

PROS:

Inexpensive Easy to work with

Readily available

versatile

CONS:

Low damping Low strength-to-

weight ratio

USES CONSIDERED:

Frame

Chromium-Molybdenum Alloy Steel

PROS:

High strength

Easily welded

Ease in fabrication

Light weight

Abrasion resist

CONS:

Low damping

USES CONSIDERED:

Frame

Poles

Aircraft Grade Aluminum

PROS:

Inexpensive

Versatile structure

Good mechanical

properties

Good corrosion

resistance

CONS:

Low damping

USES CONSIDERED:

Frame

Poles

High Performance Aluminum

PROS:

Inexpensive Easy to work

Readily available

versatile

CONS:

Low dampingNot suitable for

welding

USES CONSI

FramePoles

Titanium Alloys

PROS:

Light weight

High durability

Excellent tensile

strength, toughness

and extraordinary

corrosion resistance

CONS:

Most expensive

USES CONSI

Frame

Spring Steel

PROS:

Inexpensive

High damping

Good ductility and

toughness

CONS:

Low hardenability

Low yield strength

USES CONSI

Leaf spring

Springs

MATERIALS-- M


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MATERIALS-- POLYMERS & ELASTOMERS

EVA

PROS:

Cold temperatures Damping

Flame retardant

Light weight

Stiff

Tear resistant

Tough

CONS:

Low heat resistanceand fatigue resistant

Not strong

USES CONSIDERED:

Grip partsCushion parts

PVC

PROS:

Excellent impact

strength

Excellent durability

Long life expectancy

Low cost

CONS:

Limits to exible

properties

Restrictions to sun

exposure

USES CONSIDERED:

Seat Parts

Poles

SMC

PROS:

Light weight

Durable

Structural

Good technology

capability

CONS:

Cannot be recycled

USES CONSIDERED:

Grip parts

Shock resist parts

FRP

PROS:

Light weightDurable

Structural

Good technology

capability

CONS:

Breaks down in thesun

Requires protection

Low modulus of

elasticity

Aging

USES CONSI

FrameSeat Parts

TPU

PROS:

Good elasticity

Abrasion resist

Good impact

resistance and shock

absorption

CONS:

Poor skid resistance

Hard to form

USES CONSI

Cushion

Guard belt

PET

PROS:

Hot teperatures

Resilient

Strong

Tough

CONS:

Low hardenability

Low yield strength

USES CONSI

Grip parts

MATERIALS-- POLYMERS & ELASTO


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EPDM

PROS:

Good weatheringand water resistant

Low cost

CONS:

Bad exibility

USES CONSIDERED:

Grip partsShock resist parts

Guard belt parts

Brake parts

CPU

PROS:

Good weathering

and water resistant

Strong

Durable

Wear resistant

Good load-bearing

capacity

CONS:

Cannot be recycled

USES CONSIDERED:

Wheels

Shock resist part

Silicones

PROS:

Cold temperatures

Corrosion resistant

Damping

Flame retardant

Hot temperatures

Resilient

CONS:

Not good for impact

Not strong

Not wear resistant

USES CONSIDERED:

Grip parts

Cushion part

Shock resist parts

Guard belt parts

ABS

PROS:

Light Rigid

Flame retardant

Heat resistance

CONS:

Limited weatheringresistance

Moderate heat

Limited chemical

and moisture and

resistance

USES CONSI

Seat partsPoles

PET Fibers

PROS:

Very resistant to

bleaching, fading and

soil dye reactions

Stain Resistant

CONS:

Not resistant to oily

stains

Crimp Loss

USES CONSI

Cushion co

Guard belt

MATERIALS-- POLYMERS&ELASTO

Nylon

PROS:

Good elasticity

Excellent abrasion

resistant

Static resistant

Heat sets well

Good resiliency

Mildew resistant

CONS:

Acid dyed

USES CONSI

Seat cover

Guard belt


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SBR

PROS:

Very abrasionresistant

Corrosion resistant

Durable

Good weathering

and water resistant

CONS:

Limited mechanicalstrength

USES CONSIDERED:

WheelsPoles

CR

PROS:

Excellent tensile

strength

Good elasticity

Abrasion resistant

Good resistance to

weather, oil and heat

CONS:

Low resistant to

chemicals

USES CONSIDERED:

Cushion parts

Grip parts

NBR

PROS:

Low cost

abrasion resistant

Corrosion resistant

Durable

Good resistance to

weathering and water

CONS:

Low resistant to

chemicals

USES CONSIDERED:

Grip parts

Bamboo Charcoal Fiber

PROS:

Soft

Comfortable

Good moisture

permeability

Antibiotic

CONS:

Wear resistance is

not good

USES CONSI

Cushion co

Leather

PROS:

Easy to clean

Water resistant

CONS:

Poor moisture

permeability

USES CONSI

Cushion co

MATERIALS-- OT

Cork

PROS:

Impermeable Light weight

High elasticity

Heat resistant

comfortable

CONS:

Slow materialextraction

Requires a skilled

labor

USES CONSI

Grip parts


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MATERIALS-- OTHERS

Carbon Fibers

PROS:

High strength Light weight

High durability

High damping

High corrosion

resistance

CONS:

Expensive

USES CONSIDERED:

FrameSeat parts

Silicon Carbon Fibers

PROS:

High strength

Light weight

Exellent material

structure

High tolerance of

damage

Low wear rates

CONS:

Expensive

USES CONSIDERED:

Frame

Seat parts

Bamboo

PROS:

Durable

Can be mixed with

other materials

CONS:

Requires treating to

resist insects

Short bers

Swells if un treated

USES CONSIDERED:

Frame

Seat parts

PROCESSES PROCE


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PROCESSES

Die Cutting

PROS:

Low set-up costs

and cost-effective for

batches

Many shapes can be

cut in a single cutting

action

CONS:

Three-dimensional

products need hand-

assembly and are

limited to a set of

standard construction

Die cutting is a type

of manufacturing

used to create a large

number of objects of

the same shape. The

process can be analog

or CNC.

Butted Tubing

PROS:

The weight of the

frame substantially

can be reduced

CONS:

The cost varies

depending on the type

of butting

Butted tubing is a

bicycle manufacturing

process. It is used

to increase the

thickness at the joints

of the frame while

allowing thinner metal

or polymer everywhere

else.

Sand Casting

PROS:

Simple process

Suitable for low

volume production

Intricate partspossible

CONS:

Labor-intensive

Parts can require

steps for surfacing

and nishin

Sand casting is an

ancient technique

of using moist and

tightly packed sand to

press around a model

which is then removedleaving a mold cavity

to be lled with

molten metal.

PROCE

Injection Molding

PROS:

Highly versatile

in terms of molding

different shapes

Highly automated

production

Cost-effective parts

CONS:

Involves

considerable

investment a

production r

Injection molding

is a manufacturing

process for producing

parts from both

thermoplastic and

thermosetting plastic

materials.

Extrusion

PROS:

The best way to

make long strips with

the same prole

Can be used for a

range of materials

Extensive production

base

CONS:

Parts often

to be cut to l

assembled o

It can be used for a

range of materials

such as wood based

plastic composites,

aluminum,

magnesium, copper,

and ceramics.

Thermoforming

PROS:

Suitable for both

high and low volume

Multiple parts can

be made on a singleform

Wide range of

shapes and sizes

CONS:

Slow turna

time

Requires s

process to trUndercuts

special tooli

This smashing process

entails heating up a

thermoplastic sheet

and vacuum-forming,

draping, or pressure-

forming it over a mold.

CONCEPTS


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After the brainstorming and initial ideas, I got 3 concepts:

1. Road Skite( Ski+Skateboard)

2. Bent Handcycle

3. Sitting Pogo

I also participated the Abilities Expo with my classmates. We took our sketches and mock-ups

there and got a lot of feedback from experts.

CONCEPTS

INITIAL IDEAS INITIAL


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CONCEPT 1


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CONCEPT 1

Road Skite(Ski+Skateboard)

The length is adjustable. At the bottom there are two elastic suspensions to absorb shocks and

let users get fun experince.

There are 6 wheels totally. 4 of them are cones, so the user can lean his body to change the

direction.

Road Skite(Ski+Skateboard)

The user needs to use 2 poles to propel the device.

CONCEPT 1 FEED


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CONCEPT 1 FEED

David L. JaffeMS Course Lecturer & Student Project Coach of Stanford University

" I like the idea of shock absorbers, but I don't think you need all those wheels, espec

conical ones."

" And of course, you need to create a seating system that would be appropriate for users

" The conical wheels may interfere with the user's poling motion. I don't think the p

provide a good means of propulsion as they may slip on the ground."

Peter AxelsonDirector of Research & Development of Benecial Designs, Inc.

" I have make a skate board device and tried it out before. I used really large skate boa

from a skate board beneath the frame to sit in. I used roller ski poles with carbide tips t

the device. It was really fun downhill."

" I did not have a suspension. I think the suspension is quite interesting."

Lynn MurrayFounder of Spinal Cord Injury Support Group

" It's interesting to know the conical wheels is aim to use the upper body espaecially th

muscle. But maybe you can nd another better way."

CONCEPT 2


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Bent Handcycle

Using other position o ther than sitting is pretty funny.

User leans on the main body and uses his hand to drive it.

There's a frame to support his legs.

Bent Handcycle

It will be easier to tranfer from a wheelchair.

CONCEPT 2 FEED


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" I have seen users who have to lay in a prone position use wheelchair wheels and rims moun

on a gurney to propel themselves. I think all the wheels need to be larger. The user has to hol

his/her head up to see forward, not a comfortable position."


" This idea is a good position for pedaling."

There is a off road hand bike that uses this position to pedal. The user sits with the legs tuc

underneath. The traction is much improved for going up hill."

" The body does not have to be quite so at as you show."

CONCEPT 3


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Sitting Pogo

The user sits on the seat and uses his arm strength to push the two handles to jump.

Sitting Pogo

The seat level is a little higher than the seat level of wheelchair. Also the leg length i

consideration.

CONCEPT 3 FEED


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"I like the idea of bouncing. Again the seating would be important."


"Jumping sound hard and will be no so comfortable on the spine."

"Wheelchair users are having to jump down curbs in wheelie position and this get har

time. "

"People may enjoy this is if you could work out the seating and make it stable."

"Many people would not be able to tip over without getting injured."

Trooper JohnsonYouth Sports Coordinator of BORP

"I'm always thinking only amputees can enjoy jumping. If you can gure out a good way

people with lower extremity disabilities, I would like to try."

PRODUCT REQUIREMENT DOCUMENT


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The purpose of this list is to understand what a product should do and how it should function.

Concepts must t into following requirements.

Denitions

The product requirements are dened by the following conditional words:

MUST: Necessary or essential

SHOULD: Recommendation advised but not required

MAY: Used to express a possibility.

Adding the word NOT to these denitions would produce a statement that is the opposite.

Existing standards and regulations

ISO

International Organization for Standardization

ISO 10865-1 Wheelchair tie down and occupant restraint systems for rearward

wheelchair-seated passengers Part1: Systems for accessible transport vehicles desi

use by both seated and standing passengers

ISO/ TC 173 Assistive products for persons with disability

ISO 7176-7 Wheelchairs Part 7: Measurement of seating and wheel dimensions

ISO 16840-2 Wheelchair seating Part 2: Determination of physical and mec

characteristics of devices intended to manage tissue integrity Seat cushions

ISO 16840-3 Wheelchair seating Part 3: Determination of static, impact and repetit

strengths for postural support devices

ISO 16840-5 Wheelchair seating Part 5: Test methods for determining the pressu

characteristics of devices intended to manage tissue integrity Seat cushions

Species performance requirements and test methods

ASTM

American Society for Testing and Materials

Species tness equipment and tness facilities signage and labels

ADA Rules

ROAD SKITE


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ROAD SKITE

Physical Requirements

The seat height must be lowered from the wheelchair seat level so that the user can easily

transfer to the devices seat.

In order to absorb more shock, the height of the wheels and the are needed to be considered.

Standard seat height of a wheelchair is 19''.The maximum height cannot be over 19''.

The leg rest can be adjusted to t different leg length.

Due to different situations of leg amputation, the lengths of the leg rest can be changed from

8.1'' inches to 30.5''.

The seat will be wide enough to accommodate user in winter clothing.

The standard width of a wheelchair is 16''.

The total weight should be considered to be easy to propel.

It is needed to consider the friction of the ground.

Based on the ISO standard, the standard weight capacity is 250 lbs.

The poles length must be suitable for a comfort of propelling.

The functional reach range of a person on a standard wheelchair is 15'' to 48''.

Functional Requirements

The product must be designed to be easily used by upper body

The product must be easy to transfer from a wheelchair

The product must provide a comfortable position

The product must facilitate passenger loading and unloading.

The position will provide a full view of the path ahead

The product should provide good shock absorption

The product must have a braking system to park or s top

The product must have a user restraint system

The wheels must resist punctures from sharp objects

Performance Requirements

The product should offer good maneuverability.

The turning radius should be small enough.

When the user leans his body to left, the left conical wheels will touch the ground.

The suspension should offer good stability.

The leg rest should be easy to adjust.

The product should be responsive to user

The tips of poles should have good friction to the ground

The seat must be comfortable, the materials should offer good elasticity, abrasion regood impact resistance.

BENT HANDCYCLE


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The knee rest height must be lowered from the wheelchair seat level so that the user can

easily transfer to the devices seat.

In order to absorb more shock, the height of the wheels and the are needed to be considered.

Standard seat height of a wheelchair is 19''.

The maximum height of this device's seat cannot be over 19''.

The chest rest height should be higher than the seat height

The leg rest can be adjusted to t different positions' angles.

Due to range of motion of the knee, the angle range of the leg rest is 0-130 from the lower

frame

The total weight should be considered to be easy to propel.


The handlebars should be easy to reach.The max distance between the crank and shoulder cannot over 20.8'' which is the 99% arm

length.

The rider's weight should be placed nearly straight above the cranks and handlebars.


The product must be designed to be easily used by upper body.

The product must be easy to transfer from a wheelchair.

The product must provide a comfortable position.

The product must facilitate passenger loading and unloading.

The product should provide good shock absorption.

The product must have a braking system to park or s top.

The product must have a user restraint system.

The wheels must resist punctures from sharp objects.

Some parts of the device like the gears should be found in a bicycle store.



The turning radius should be small enough.

The direction can be changed with the leaning of user's chest

The direction of the front wheel can be changed easily

The device should offer good stability.

The leg rest should be easy to adjust.

The product should be responsive to user.

The crank must provide a uent 360rotation.

The knee rest and chest rest must be comfortable, the materials should offer good el

abrasion resist and good impact resistance.

SITTING POGO


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The product must be designed to be easily used by upper body.

The product must be easy to transfer from a wheelchair.

The product must provide a comfortable position.

The position will provide a full view of the path ahead.

The product should provide good shock absorption.

The product must have a user restraint system.

The connection of handlebar and the spring system should be rm.



When the user focuses his body weight to the bar, the device will bounce.

The product must offer good stability.

When it comes back to the ground, the center of gravity should not be out of t

radius.

The handlebar should be comfortable to grasp. The materials of the grip should be

durable and soft.


The seat height must be raised from the wheelchair seat level so that the user can easily

transfer to the devices seat.

The height of the spring and the height of foot rest are needed to be considered.

Standard seat height of a wheelchair is 19''.

The minimum height of this device's seat cannot be less than 19''.

The bottom base's radius should be big enough to make sure of the stability.

The total weight should be light enough to realize the jumping.


The handlebar should be rigid enough to support this weight.

The handlebars should be easy to reach.

The level of handlebars should be a little higher than the seat level.

SCHEDULE AND PLAN


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PLAN FOR THE WINTER

Keep in touch with the group of benecial designs - a group of inventors who are developing

assistive and adaptive technology, performs rehabilitation research, contract design, legal

consultation, standards development, and serves as a rehabilitation information resource.

Learn how to use Pro-E, a 3D software which has a database of mannequins with different

ages and abilities. So that I can test my concept with it.

Continue contacting target users

Make some full scale mock-ups

WEEK 1

WIP Presentation

Review design concepts

WEEK 2

Commit to direction Develop concept ideation

Reviews and feedback

WEEK 3

Focus concept direction

Full Scale mock ups

Develop 3D digital sketches

Preliminary CAD

WEEK 4

Stakeholder feedback on mock ups

Revise 3D mock ups

2nd round of foam mock ups

WEEK 5 User testing

WEEK 6

User testing

Update models

WEEKLY SCHEDULE FOR SPRING 2012

WEEK 7

Analysis of user tests

Ideation

Revisions based on testing results

WEEK 8 WIP Presentation

Midterm

WEEK 9

Update designs from feedback

Start building full scale prototype

WEEK 10-12

Full scale prototype building

User testing

WEEK 13

Modify full scale per user tests

Revise 3D work and at work

Book review

WEEK 14

Final work review

REFERENCES


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BOOKS AND ARTICLES

Young Disabled Peple and Sports

Naomi Finch, Dot Lawton, Julie Williams, Patricia Sloper

Sports and Disabilities Chapter 5

Lower Extremity Amputations

Society for Vascular Nursing

Spinal Cord Injury Rehablitation

STEPHEN P. BURNS, MD, BARRY GOLDSTEIN, MD, PhD and others

Human Factor Design Standard

http://hf.tc.faa.gov/hfds/

Universal Design Guidelines for Fitness Equipment

Benecial Designs, Inc.

Manual Wheelchairs

A. Bennett Wilson, Jr.

Hard Facts about Soft Machines

Rani Lueder and Kageyu Noro

Disabled Information from the Disabled

http://www.disabledinfo.co.uk/forum/forum.asp?action=

ableize

http://www.ableize.com/forum/index.php

Disabled Bridge

http://www.disabledbridge.com/

Disabled online

http://www.disabledonline.com/link-directory/social/chat-forums/

Disabled travelers

http://www.frommers.com/community/forum.cfm/trip-ideas/disabled-travelers

Sports forum for the disabled

http://www.sportsforum.org.uk/

Students with disabilities forum

http://www.shu.ac.uk/services/sls/support/disability/forum.html

Disability Forum

http://www.disabilityforum.org.au/forums.php

WEBSITES

Documents

Thesis Research Report