P09009 Wheelchair Design

Benchmarking

Agenda

• Components– Foldable Drive Mechanisms– Push-rims– Rims– Tires– Castors

• Existing One-Arm Wheelchairs

Foldable Drive Mechanisms

Push-rims

• Metal Push-Rims• Disadvantages

•Cold•Slippery

• Advantages•Durable

•Rubberized Push-Rims•Disadvantages

•Lack of durability•More expensive

•Advantages•Comfort

Rims

(Source 1) (Source 2)

Spoke Rims

Lighter but require more maintenance

Absorb shock better

Mag Rims

Heavier, but relatively indestructible

Tires

Pneumatic Tires (Source 3)

Advantages:• Lighter• Better shock absorbing• Adequate traction on most terrain

Disadvantages:• Maintenance

• Flats and air leaks

Pneumatic w/Insert (Source 4)

Advantages:• Flat resistant• Longer tire life

Disadvantages:• More expensive• Less traction• Less shock absorbent

Solid Plastic (Source 6)

Advantages:• Least expensive• Flat proof

Disadvantages:• Absorbs shock very poorly• Heavier

Contrast of Tires

1-3, Pneumatic; 4, Pneumatic w/Insert; 5, Solid Plastic (Source 5)

Castors

• Castors are similar to tires– SoftRoll castors absorb shock

better than many other castors

Soft Roll Castors (Source 7)

Solid Castors (Source 8) Pneumatic Castors (Source 9)

Complete Wheelchairs

• Basic folding wheelchair• 37 lbs.• 2-Arm Operation• Adjustable footrests• Padded Armrests• Push-to-lock brakes• Price: $109

Basic Wheelchair (Source 10) Lightweight Wheelchair (Source 12)

• Adjustable armrests• 28 lbs• Adjustable height backrest• Rear wheel options• Foldable• Seat cushion• Price: $780

Tracer SX5(Made by Invacare)

Tracer SX5 2-Arm Wheelchair (Source 11)Tracer SX5 1-Arm Wheelchair

• Push-to-stop brakes• 33 lbs• Possible 1-Arm Operation

• (With foldable axle)• Price: $1000 (with 1-Arm operation configuration)

References1. http://www.edmond-wheelchair.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=EWRS&Product_Code=W06234008

2. http://www.edmond-wheelchair.com/skyway_wheels.htm

3. http://www.spinlife.com/spintips/details/k/Wheelchair%20Wheel%20Choices/a/104/c/2

4. http://www.schwalbetires.com/files/x_img_rightrun_all.gif

5. http://www.colourswheelchair.com/images/accessories/tires.jpg

6. http://www.spartech.com/images/wheelchair-wheels.jpg

7. http://www.edmond-wheelchair.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=EWRS&Product_Code=W00400658

8. http://www.edmond-wheelchair.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=EWRS&Product_Code=W00610458

9. http://www.edmond-wheelchair.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=EWRS&Product_Code=W00610158

10. http://www.spinlife.com/Drive-Medical-Spirit-Standard-Wheelchair/spec.cfm?productID=84993

11. http://www.invacare.com/cgi-bin/imhqprd/inv_catalog/prod_cat_detail.jsp?s=0&prodID=TRSX5&catOID=null

12. http://www.spinlife.com/Sunrise-/-Quickie-Quickie-LX-Lightweight-Wheelchair/spec.cfm?productID=217