Upper-body injuries caused by overuse from manual wheelchair propulsion is a common challenge that many wheelchair users face. While there are propulsion aid devices on the market, these devices are often expensive, increase the footprint of the wheelchair, or do not provide the necessary requirements for physical movement and accessibility. Our team sought to create a propulsion aid that would address these issues by improving ease of use, enhancing maneuverability, and engaging in sustainable prototyping processes. After conducting research and interviews with wheelchair users, our team engaged in a year-long process entailing several design iterations, finite element analysis of components, and the fabrication of the device through CNC milling and adapting recycled materials. The final result is a functioning prototype of a tiller-controlled device and attachment system for folding wheelchairs that not only fulfills these requirements, but meets all necessary ADA and engineering standards for this category of medical device.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Steriti, Stephanie
• Borden, Amanda
• Jacene, Megan

Subject

• Project-Based Learning
• Well-Being
• Health
• Innovation
• Environment
• Inclusion
• Sustainability

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 121422
• E-project-042324-162740

Keyword

• Accessibility
• Propulsion Aid
• Wheelchair
• Sustainability
• Medical Devices

Advisor

• Wodin-Schwartz, Sarah Jane
• Stoddard, Elisabeth Anne

Year

• 2024

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 3 - Good Health and Well-being
• 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production

Date created

• 2024-04-23

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Source

• E-project-042324-162740

Rights statement

• In Copyright