DN
D.E.C. Niejenhuis
info
Please Note
<p>This page displays the records of the person named above and is not linked to a unique person identifier. This record may need to be merged to a profile.</p>
1 records found
1
Most people with a spinal cord injury (SCI) depend on a manual wheelchair for independent daily mobility. Compared to the average wheelchair user, SCI wheelchair users are relatively young and active. For these users, good design of the wheelchair is critical. A custom frame is made using the body dimensions of the user. This improves the user’s posture and propulsion efficiency. Custom wheelchair frames are also very rigid which is beneficial for seating stability and the durability of the wheelchair. There are two types of custom frame constructions available but they require a trade-off between rigidity and transportability. Open frames are easier to transport, whereas Box frames provide higher rigidity. This thesis explores whether these advantages can be combined in a single frame design.
The goal was to design a custom active wheelchair frame for users with a spinal cord injury between the C6 and L2 segments. The frame had to combine the rigidity of the Box frame with improved transportability similar to the Open frame, while remaining feasible to manufacture using the available production methods of the wheelchair factory. The analysis consisted of literature research, interviews. The analyses explored use scenarios, stakeholder interactions, market research, ergonomics, manufacturing methods, material selection and existing frame constructions were analysed through simulations in SolidWorks. The findings were translated into design requirements.
The proposed frame design replaces the conventional construction of the Box frame with a much more space efficient alternative which improves its transportability. The frame is titled the ‘Cross-Over’ frame. It was designed to minimise the bending complexity of the components to make manufacturing more efficient which could lower the production cost. The performance of the Cross-Over frame was evaluated using SolidWorks simulations and indicate a comparable stress performance to the Box frame. In addition, the frame is approximately 8.5% lighter than the reference Box frame and its shape is easier to transport by car, which was evaluated using a 1:1 PVC prototype. Although more physical testing is required to validate these findings, the results indicate that the new frame design improves transportability while maintaining the rigidity required for active daily use. ...
The goal was to design a custom active wheelchair frame for users with a spinal cord injury between the C6 and L2 segments. The frame had to combine the rigidity of the Box frame with improved transportability similar to the Open frame, while remaining feasible to manufacture using the available production methods of the wheelchair factory. The analysis consisted of literature research, interviews. The analyses explored use scenarios, stakeholder interactions, market research, ergonomics, manufacturing methods, material selection and existing frame constructions were analysed through simulations in SolidWorks. The findings were translated into design requirements.
The proposed frame design replaces the conventional construction of the Box frame with a much more space efficient alternative which improves its transportability. The frame is titled the ‘Cross-Over’ frame. It was designed to minimise the bending complexity of the components to make manufacturing more efficient which could lower the production cost. The performance of the Cross-Over frame was evaluated using SolidWorks simulations and indicate a comparable stress performance to the Box frame. In addition, the frame is approximately 8.5% lighter than the reference Box frame and its shape is easier to transport by car, which was evaluated using a 1:1 PVC prototype. Although more physical testing is required to validate these findings, the results indicate that the new frame design improves transportability while maintaining the rigidity required for active daily use. ...
Most people with a spinal cord injury (SCI) depend on a manual wheelchair for independent daily mobility. Compared to the average wheelchair user, SCI wheelchair users are relatively young and active. For these users, good design of the wheelchair is critical. A custom frame is made using the body dimensions of the user. This improves the user’s posture and propulsion efficiency. Custom wheelchair frames are also very rigid which is beneficial for seating stability and the durability of the wheelchair. There are two types of custom frame constructions available but they require a trade-off between rigidity and transportability. Open frames are easier to transport, whereas Box frames provide higher rigidity. This thesis explores whether these advantages can be combined in a single frame design.
The goal was to design a custom active wheelchair frame for users with a spinal cord injury between the C6 and L2 segments. The frame had to combine the rigidity of the Box frame with improved transportability similar to the Open frame, while remaining feasible to manufacture using the available production methods of the wheelchair factory. The analysis consisted of literature research, interviews. The analyses explored use scenarios, stakeholder interactions, market research, ergonomics, manufacturing methods, material selection and existing frame constructions were analysed through simulations in SolidWorks. The findings were translated into design requirements.
The proposed frame design replaces the conventional construction of the Box frame with a much more space efficient alternative which improves its transportability. The frame is titled the ‘Cross-Over’ frame. It was designed to minimise the bending complexity of the components to make manufacturing more efficient which could lower the production cost. The performance of the Cross-Over frame was evaluated using SolidWorks simulations and indicate a comparable stress performance to the Box frame. In addition, the frame is approximately 8.5% lighter than the reference Box frame and its shape is easier to transport by car, which was evaluated using a 1:1 PVC prototype. Although more physical testing is required to validate these findings, the results indicate that the new frame design improves transportability while maintaining the rigidity required for active daily use.
The goal was to design a custom active wheelchair frame for users with a spinal cord injury between the C6 and L2 segments. The frame had to combine the rigidity of the Box frame with improved transportability similar to the Open frame, while remaining feasible to manufacture using the available production methods of the wheelchair factory. The analysis consisted of literature research, interviews. The analyses explored use scenarios, stakeholder interactions, market research, ergonomics, manufacturing methods, material selection and existing frame constructions were analysed through simulations in SolidWorks. The findings were translated into design requirements.
The proposed frame design replaces the conventional construction of the Box frame with a much more space efficient alternative which improves its transportability. The frame is titled the ‘Cross-Over’ frame. It was designed to minimise the bending complexity of the components to make manufacturing more efficient which could lower the production cost. The performance of the Cross-Over frame was evaluated using SolidWorks simulations and indicate a comparable stress performance to the Box frame. In addition, the frame is approximately 8.5% lighter than the reference Box frame and its shape is easier to transport by car, which was evaluated using a 1:1 PVC prototype. Although more physical testing is required to validate these findings, the results indicate that the new frame design improves transportability while maintaining the rigidity required for active daily use.