Design of Multipurpose Wheel Chair for Physically
Challenged
and Elder People
1
2
3,
4
Mohan Kumar R. , Lohit H. S. , Manas Ranjan Mishra Md. Basheer Ahamed .
1-Student, M. Sc. [Engg.], 2- Asst. Prof., 3- Asst. Prof.
Department of Design, M. S. Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies, Bangalore 560058.
4- Technical Director, M/S Sidhi Vinayaka Fab Engineering Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore
Abstract
Wheel Chair is a mobility device designed for shifting patients, moving physically challenged people from one
place to another with the help of attendee or by means of self propelling. The wheel chair is divided into two different
types based on the power used for mobility: 1. Manually powered wheelchairs. 2. Electric powered wheelchairs. Manual
powered wheelchairs are driven by manual power which are again classified into foldable and non-foldable with or with
out commode design. Electrical powered wheel chairs runs with electric power however manual operation is required to
operate the joystick for the movement of the chair. The redesign of manual wheel chair was considered for this project.
The design of wheel chair started by means of literature review to know its evaluation from earlier to the
present generation. Market study was carried out to know the present competators available in the market with cost
analysis of the existing product. Ethnography study was done to observe the need, the importance of the existing product
and to address the design gap in the existing product to the user need through questionnaries. The feed back was taken
from different users and attendees, concept generation and design execution was done by the implementation of design
methodologies like Quality Function Deployment, Mind mapping, Product Design Specification.
The final output is a wheel chair which gives multiple option to the user and attendee by providing ease of
defecation, cleaning and changing of clothes. Adjustable back rest, arm rest, leg rest provides comfort for the patient
while resting. The adjustable arm rest provide ease of shifting the patient from chair to the bed or to the vehicle. Facility
provided for keeping plate while having food, reading and keeping water bottle. Additional to this alarm facility is
provided to inform the attendee that there is a need of his / her presence to the patient. Validation of the prototype is done
and usage is found satisfactory.
Key Words: Mobility Device, Wheel Chair, Ethnographic Research, QFD, PDS.
Abbreviations
ID
NPD
PDS
QFD
RSI
VOC
1.3 Nomenclature of a Simple Rigid Frame
Wheel Chair
Industrial Design
New Product Design
Product Design Specifications
Quality Function Deployment
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Voice of Customer
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Product Design
Product design is the concept of systematic
approach in understanding the user requirement,
existing deficits, possible improvement and inventing
new designs through idea generation, concept
development, and concept realization thereby bringing
newer products and solutions for the better quality of
life.
Fig. 1 Nomenclature of a rigid frame wheel chair
1.5 Need for New Design in a Wheel Chair
At present patients are facing problem while defecating.
Patients needs to be lifted up and helped to remove the
dress and make them defecate, which is discomforting
to the patients in emergency condition. The design of
back rest in the existing wheel chair creates repetitive
stress injury if the patient is sitting for a long time. The
present design of brake needs to be improved for better
impact and application of brake in slope area. Arm rest
creates obstruction while shifting the patient from
wheel chair to vehicles, no solution in the existing
design to make ease of shifting of patient to
transportation vehicle.
1.2 Wheel Chair
A chair with wheels designed as a replacement for
walking is known as wheel chair. This is used for
movement of physically disabled, elder people, children
who have difficulty and are unable to walk. This device
comes in many variations like self propelled, propelled
by the motor or with the help of an attendee to push.
Figure 1 & 2 shows the parts of rigid frame and X
frame wheel chair and its parts [1].
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driven by the user by using the rear wheels (diameter of
20-26”) which resembles to that of bicycle but has an
additional rims know as hand rims are for the
movement of the chairs by means of pushing forward or
backward. The hand rims are of diameter lesser than the
rear wheels. Use of two hand rims at a time gives
straight movement of the chair, use of one of the rim
gives the turning movement to the chair towards left or
right [3].
1.4 Nomenclature of a simple rigid frame wheel
chair
Fig. 2 Nomenclature of a Foldable wheel chair
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 History and Evolution of Wheel chair
The first wheel chair was invented in the 1595
called as invalids chair was made for the king of Spain
called Phillip. Later in the year 1655 Stephen Farfler
built a self-propelling chair on a three wheel chassis as
shown in figure 3 [1]. In the year 1783 John Dawson of
Bath Town England invented a wheel chair named as
bath wheel chair. The chair was with two large wheels
and one small one as shown in figure 4 [1]. In the year
1869 patent for a wheel chair with rear push wheels and
small front casters were invented, in the year 1881 the
push rims for self propulsion wheel chair was invented
as shown in figure 4 [1]. In 1900 the first spoked wheel
chair was invented and in the year 1916 first motorized
wheel chair was invented by British Engineers as shown
in figure 5 [1]. In the year 1932, Harry Jennings built
the first foldable wheel chair as shown in figure 5 [1].
Fig. 4 Bath chair by John Dawson and wheel chair
designed in 15th century
Fig. 5 Wheel chair by an Indian and first foldable
wheel chair
Fig. 3 Wheel chair owned by King Philip II and self
propelled wheel chair
Fig. 6 Different types of wheel chairs
Attendant propelled wheel chairs (Figure 4) are
those wheel chairs which are known as transport
wheelchairs that require attendees help for the
movement. The wheel chair is designed such that there
is no big rear wheels with rim for the moving, moulded
seating, light weight, push handles, support backrest,
hand brake system. These chairs are commonly seen in
airports to move passengers in to the seats [3]. Manual
wheel chair are again classified into two types as shown
in below (Figures 5 and 6) [3]
o Rigid wheel chair
o Foldable wheel chair
2.2 Different Types of Wheel Chairs
There are various types of wheel chairs, we are
differentiating the wheel chair based on the mode of
power used for drive. These wheel chairs are
differentiated in to two types as below [3]:
•
Manual wheel chair
•
Electric powered wheel chair
2.3 Manual Wheel Chair
Manual wheel chairs are driven with the help of man
power as source of energy for moving the chair, these
are self propelled or propelled with the help of attendee
[2]. The self propelled wheel chairs (Figure 3) are
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2.4 Electric Powered Wheel Chair
The wheel chair that runs by means of
Electric motor is known as electric-powered
wheelchair, this wheel chair requires navigational
controls, usually a small joystick mounted on the
armrest. For users who cannot manage a manual
joystick, head switches are provided and chin-operated
joysticks are provided, other specialist controls may
also be provided for independent operation of the
wheelchair. Motorized wheelchairs are useful for those
unable to propel manually or who require travelling for
a long distance which creates difficulty for manual
operation. These wheel chairs are not only used by
traditional mobility impairments but also by
cardiovascular patients [3]. Different types of electric
and hydraulic power driven wheel chairs are as shown
in Figure 7 [13].
Fig. 8 Applications of wheel chair
Figure 9 shows the some places where wheel chairs are
used in common.
Fig. 9 Common places of wheel chair use
Fig. 7 Different types of motorised wheel chairs
2.5 Product Survey
Product survey is carried out to understand the
usability, functionality, need of the product, market
strategy, different class of users, where used, when used
and why used. With the help of Mind Mapping process
we can find out the usage of the product Mind Mapping
is carried out by process as listed below,
Fig. 10 Users of wheel chair




Why Used
Where and who are the Users
When Used
Different types of wheel chair
available in Indian market
2.5.3 When Used

2.5.1 Why Used
Wheel chairs are used to shift the patients from
one ward to another in hospitals and from one room to
another at home, as a walker for the people who are
unable to walk. Figure 8 shows few situations where
wheel chairs are used.
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o
o
o
In day to day life by:
Physically challenged people
Old people unable to walk
Physically challenged children
2.6 Market Study
In Hospitals, Nursing homes
In Houses
In Pilgrim places
In Travelling
In Sports
In Beaches
Market study is done to understand the product market
segment, to know the competitors in the market, to
study their product capacitance and market strategy, to
bench mark the product. Following are some of the
competitors present in the Indian market:
i.
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During Emergency like:
Road Accidents
Fire Accidents
Air Accidents
Maternity emergency
Physical disorders

2.5.2 Different Applications of Wheel Chair
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
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M. TECHNOLOGIES Manufacturer of
Hospital Equipments, Hospital Supplies,
Hospital Furniture, Medical Furniture,
Hospital Beds, Hospital Trolley, Wheelchairs,
Volume 11, Issue 1, Apr 2012
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
Bunk Beds, Office Furniture, MDF Furniture,
Hospital Blankets and Garments Haryana.
ANAND
MEDICAL
EXPORTS
Manufacturer, Trading Company of Hospital
products New Delhi.
SAYANI
SURGICALS
Manufacturer,
Trading Company, Distributor/Wholesaler of
Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation, Orthopaedic
application, Walking Aids, Wheel chair,
Gym, Obesity, Health Care, Hospital
Furniture, Surgical Instruments.
PARAMOUNT
SURGIMED
LTD
Manufacturer of Hospital Equipments,
Surgical blades, Wheelchairs, Surgical
Gloves, Walking Stick, Hot water bottle,
Walkers New Delhi.
VISSCO
INDUSTRIES
Manufacturer,
Trading Company of Hospital Furniture's and
Wheel chairs Pune.
MANISH
STEEL
INDUSTRIES
Manufacturer, Trading company of Hospital
products like Wheelchairs, Tricycle, Walker,
Hearing Aid, Crutches, Sticks, Folding
Commode,
Cycle Rickshaw,
Handicap
Moped Madhya Pradesh.
Fig. 12 Identification of problem 2
3.
Shortage of the height of the back rest, no
adjustable and cushioned back rest, no head
rest in the existing design, identified problem
is as shown in Figure 13.
2.6 Problems Identified in the Present Wheel
Chair
Gemba study shows that the two main types
of wheel chairs used in hospitals and houses are rigid
frame wheel chair and foldable X frame wheel chair
with and without commode design. Problems identified
are as listed below:
1.
Fig. 13 Identification of problem 3
4.
Observation shows that there is no adjustable
arm rest, knee rest and foot rest the identified
problem is as shown in Figure 11.
Observation shows problem in defecation
shifting of patient to the commode in case of
non commode wheel chair, removing and
cleaning problem in case of existing
commode wheel chair, identified problem is
as shown in Figure 14.
Fig. 11 Identification of problem 1
2.
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Observation shows that there is difficulty in
shifting the patient from wheel chair to auto
rickshaw and other vehicles due to bad
braking system provided identified problem is
as shown in Figure 12.
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Fig. 14 Identification of problem 4
5.
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Observation shows that problem in reaching
the table and non adjustable height of table
for ease of work which increases repetitive
stress injuries like wrist, back, shoulder
injuries; identified problem is as shown in
Figure 15.
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3.2 Human Dimensions for Wheel Chair Design
These figures are at a median value between the 95th
percentile male (largest) and 50th percentile female
(smallest).
Fig. 15 Identification of problem 5
Fig. 16 Human dimensions
2.7 Advantages of Rigid Frame Wheel Chair
•
•
•
•
The seat is the part which takes plays very important
role in a wheel chair. So that maximum of concentration
is given to the seat design to achieve the best
comfortableness in any wheel chair.
Low cost, Easily affordable
Low maintenance cost as the parts are made
of aluminum alloy.
Heavy weights can be accommodated.
Less weight
2.8 Disadvantages of Rigid Frame Wheel Chair
•
•
•
•
Non foldable, requires more space.
Non adjustable back and arm rest
No stopper for backward moment
Non adjustable food rest
Fig. 17 Mid thigh-thigh distance
2.9 Advantages of X Frame Wheel Chair
•
•
•
•
Foldable accommodates less space
Ease of transportation as it requires less space
Cushioned back rest and adjustable foot rest
Commode design for defecating
2.10 Disadvantages of X Frame Wheel Chair
•
•
•
•
•
Cause repetitive stress injury due to flexible
back rest
Heavier in weight as it is made of stainless
steel body
Less durable as it comes in contact with
environmental disorders
Maintenance cost is more
Attendees face problem in cleaning the
patient after defecation
Fig. 18 Human leg folding dimension
3. HUMAN DIMENSION AND ERGONOMIC
STUDY
Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned to
understand the interaction between human beings and
elements of the system where he is living. Ergonomics
is employed in fulfilling the goals of health and
productivity
3.1 Ergonomics with Wheel Chair Users
Study of ergonomics of the wheel chair is the
interaction in relation to aspects of vehicle mechanics
and the user's physical condition. Ergonomically
designed wheel chair will reduce the strain that is
caused due to longer use of the product [11].
Ergonomics in wheel chair considers four key criteria
like force, repetition, duration, posture.
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Fig. 20 Dimensions for frame design
This thumb rule is used for both designing the seat for
both male female, this standard is mainly used for
determining the dimensions of a seat. In this standard it
is explained that 95th percentile for male and female are
found to be 449 to 529mm respectively and combined
95th percentile value i.e. 479mm for general purpose
seat design [11].
Table 1. Quality Functional Deployment
4. CONCEPT GENERATION
4.1 PDS and QFD
Based on the Gemba study, data analysis and
questionnaires, the below list briefly illustrates essence
of customer voice.
Table 2. Product Design Specification
4.4 Concept 1
Concept 1 was generated with the PDS structure
implemented on the basic design of wheel chair. The
design was developed as a combined solution in a basic
wheel chair model with commode design for ease of
defecation for the patients and elder people. Sliding arm
rest was provided for the ease of shifting the patient
from chair to the bed or to the vehicle, cushioned foot
rest for the cushioning feel to the foot. A good
improved brake system provided to stop the wheel chair
when moving down stairs in inclined angle. Figure 22
shows the wheel chair with foldable x frame design,
cushioned seat with head rest that allows the patients to
rest the head and back comfortably (Neck injured,
back injured, stomach operated, shoulder injured
people). The opening of the commode is provided at the
front portion of the wheel chair so that the patient can
open the commode before defecating and close after the
defecating. Water tank with flush gun provided for ease
of cleaning after defecation. The back rest, commode
seat can be dismantled and the chair can be folded
which helps in ease of transportation. Additional
features like support plate for keeping plates while
having food, keep books & laptop in case of student
using the wheel chair, bell provided for indication of
help required by the patient at the time of attendee away
from him.
Fig. 21 Quality Functional Deployment
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Sliding arm rest was provided to provide comfort to the
arm while resting and for the ease of shifting the patient
from chair to the bed or to the vehicle. A good
improved brake system provided to stop the wheel chair
when moving down stairs in inclined angle. Figure 23
shows the wheel chair with foldable x frame
design, cushioned seat with head rest that allows the
patients to rest the head and back comfortably (Neck
injured, back injured, stomach operated, shoulder
injured people). The commode is provided with hinge
type swinging opening and closing system, commode
opening is provided at the back side of the wheel chair.
Cushioned leg rest to provide cushioning effect for the
leg injured patients, adjustable backrest and leg rest
with screw lock system with angular rotating design as
shown in figure 4.2 provided for rotating the seat and
leg rest to inclined angle (from 90° to 180°) as required
by the patient while resting. Water tank with flush gun
provided for ease of cleaning after defecation. The back
rest, commode seat can be dismantled and the chair can
be folded which helps in ease of transportation.
Additional features like support plate for keeping plates
while having food, keep books & laptop in case of
student using the wheel chair, bell provided for
indication of help required by the patient at the time of
attendee away from him.
Fig. 22 Concept 1
4.6 Concept 3
Concept 3 was generated with the help of PDS structure
implemented on the design of wheel chair. The design
was developed with improved commode design for ease
of defecation for the patients and elder people.
Swinging arm rest as shown in figure 4.3 was provided
to provide comfort for the patient while resting the arms
and for the ease of shifting the patient from chair to the
bed or to the vehicle, the arm rest can be rotated to
comfortable angle as per the patient requirement. A
good improved brake system provided to stop the wheel
chair when moving down stairs in inclined angle.
Figure 4.3 shows the wheel chair with foldable x frame
design, cushioned seat with head rest that allows the
patients to rest the head and back comfortably (Neck
injured, back injured, stomach operated, shoulder
injured people). The commode is provided with hinge
type swinging opening and closing system, commode
opens towards side similar to the windows in houses.
Cushioned leg rest to provide cushioning effect for the
leg injured patients, adjustable backrest and leg rest
with spring operated lock system with angular rotating
design as shown in figure 4.3 provided for rotating
the seat and leg rest to inclined angle (from 90° to
180°) as required by the patient while resting. Water
tank with flush gun provided for ease of cleaning after
defecation. The back rest, commode seat can be
dismantled and the chair can be folded which helps in
ease of transportation. Additional features like support
plate for keeping plates while having food, keep books
& laptop in case of student using the wheel chair, bell
provided for indication of help required by the patient at
the time of attendee away from him.
4.5 Concept 2
With the help of the PDS structure Concept 2 of wheel
chair was generated. The design was developed with
improved commode design for ease of defecation for
the patients and elder people.
Fig. 23 Concept 2
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comfort for the arms while resting by sliding to the arm
rest to comfortable height & for the ease of shifting the
patient from chair to the bed or to the vehicle. Deign is
provided with a good improved brake system provided
to stop the wheel chair when moving down stairs in
inclined angle. Figure 25 shows the wheel chair with
foldable x frame design, cushioned seat with head rest
that allows the patients to rest the head and back
comfortably (Neck injured, back injured, stomach
operated, shoulder injured people). The commode is
provided with hinge type swinging opening and closing
system, commode opens towards back side of the wheel
chair. Cushioned rotatable leg rest to provide
cushioning effect for the leg injured patients, adjustable
backrest and leg rest with spring operated lock system
with angular rotating design as shown in figure 25
provided for rotating the seat and leg rest to inclined
angle (from 90° to 180°) as required by the patient
while resting. Water tank with flush gun provided for
ease of cleaning after defecation. The back rest,
commode seat can be dismantled and the chair can be
folded which helps in ease of transportation. Additional
features like support plate for keeping plates while
having food, keep books & laptop in case of student
using the wheel chair, bell provided for indication of
help required by the patient at the time of attendee away
from him.
Fig. 24 Concept 3
4.8 Concept 5
4.7 Concept 4
Fig. 26 Concept 5
Concept 5 was generated with the help of the PDS
structure implemented on the design of wheel chair.
The design was developed with improved commode
design for ease of defecation for the patients and elder
people. Rotatable arm rest was provided to increase the
comfort for the arms while resting by rotating the arm
rest to comfortable angle and for the ease of shifting the
patient from chair to the bed or to the vehicle. Design is
Fig. 25 Concept 4
Concept 4 was generated with the help of the PDS
structure implemented on the design of wheel chair.
The design was developed with improved commode
design for ease of defecation for the patients and elder
people. Sliding arm rest was provided to increase the
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provided with a good improved brake system provided
to stop the wheel chair when moving down stairs in
inclined angle. Figure 26 shows the wheel chair with
foldable x frame design, cushioned seat with head rest
that allows the patients to rest the head and back
comfortably (Neck injured, back injured, stomach
operated, shoulder injured people). Open commode
with bottom cover plate for opening and closing is
provided. Cushioned rotatable leg rest to provide
cushioning effect for the leg injured patients, adjustable
backrest and leg rest with spring operated lock system
with sliding design as shown in figure 26 provided
for rotating the seat and leg rest to inclined angle (from
90° to 180°) as required by the patient while resting.
Water tank with flush gun provided for ease of cleaning
after defecation. The back rest, commode seat can be
dismantled and the chair can be folded which helps in
ease of transportation. Additional features like support
plate for keeping plates while having food, keep books
& laptop in case of student using the wheel chair, bell
provided for indication of help required by the patient at
the time of attendee away from him.
5.3 Selected Concept
Figure 27 Final concept
5.4 Working Model
After selecting the final design, mock up model is
prepared to get the touch and feel of the actual product.
In consultation with the study following specs are
finalised;
Material
•
Frame –25mm x 1mm thick hallow pipe of
stainless steel 304
•
Body – 1 mm thick Stain less steel 304 sheet
•
Wheel rim – 304 stainless steel
•
Tyre – hard nylon rubber
•
Seat & Back rest – cushioned foam seat
•
Brake – mechanical operated disc brake
•
Commode – rigid plastic
Scale –
•
1: 1 for working prototype
•
1:3 for Mockup model
Place of execution –
M/S Sidhi Vinayaka Fab Engineering Pvt. Ltd.,
Bangalore
Finish –
External surfaces glossy finish & internal surfaces
polished to Smooth curvature
Color –
Stainless steel frame, foam cushioned seat, disc
braking system, plastic commode seat frame, rigid
nylon tyres.
Accessories –
Water gun with hose for flushing
5 CONCEPT SELECTION, FINALIZING
AND MODEL MAKING
5.1 Concept Selection
After the generation of concepts, the sketching and
rendered images of different types along with depiction
to understand the working principles were prepared. A
total of 5 concepts were generated. These were
explained to various people in the community. Based on
the explanation and their understanding of the concept
through these images, various feedbacks were collected
from them. The feedbacks were analyzed and
categorized according to design parameters through
which the pros and cons of each concept were studied
and the best concept for chosen for this study by PUGH
method.
5.2 PUGH Method
Using the PUGH method, concepts are analyzed for
various parameters of each model against the fixed
rating for each parameter, its pluses and minuses in
terms of its usability, performance, unique features, etc
are counted. Based on the overall rating, concept # 5 is
selected as final trolley design.
5.6 Working Model Preparation Process
After finalizing the pre requisites for model preparation
using cad drawings following activities has been done
to complete the final model
1.
2.
3.
Procurement of Raw materials.
Raw material marking & cutting
Removing of burr, Stitch welding to built
chassis assy
4. Preparation of development drawings of the
outer body
5. Laser cutting , shearing & bending
6. Tack & Full welding
7. Grinding & polishing
8. Final buffing
9. Acid pickling & Cleaning
10. Cushioning Seat
11. Assembling of seat, flush gun, rest plate
Table 3 Pugh chart
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Figure 28 shows the cutting of raw material in the
working space.
Figure 5.6 shows the water tank, flush gun, disc brake,
alarm system with battery and alarm plug provided in
the final finished wheel chair.
Fig. 28 Raw material cutting model making
Fig. 32 Rear view of the finished model
Figure 29 shows the tack welding and full welding of
joints in the frame.
6 CONCEPT VALIDATION
6.1 Validation
Validation is done to know whether the designed
product according to the specification is successful or
not. Validation is obtained by doing feasibility test,
usability test and desirability test. The final design
product was subjected to feasibility, usability and
desirability with different patients and feedback was
taken in the form of documentation, pictures and
video’s. The model was tested with the patients in
Peenya 2nd stage, and different patients in M. S.
Ramaiah Hospital.
The figure shows different patient using the working
model. Figure 33 shows the patient who is using the
wheel chair in the house from many years, the feedback
was taken based on the performance of our product and
the previous product which was used by them in their
house.
Fig. 29 Outer body welding during model making
Figure 5.4 shows the semi finished product in the shop
floor.
Fig. 30 Semi finished final model
Fig. 33 Validation from user at home
Figure 5.5 shows the complete assembled product and
inclined product to 0° back rest and leg rest
The wheel chair was taken to the hospital and feedback
was taken from different user Figure 6.2 shows the
patient who is using the wheel chair in the hospital. The
patient and attendee was allowed to use the wheel chair
at the end of the day the feedback was taken from the
patient and the attendee by means of pictures and
video’s suggestion was taken for the improvements in
the existing product.
.
Feedback was taken from the Chief Administrator,
Administrator, Doctors, Nurses and Attendees. The
feedback was collected verbally and through video. The
collected data was accumulated and incorporated as
future work.
Fig. 31 Final finished model
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8. REFERENCES
[1] Batavia, M., PH. D (1998), “ The wheel chair
evaluation a practical guide”, ISBN 0-75067037-1
[2] Croteau, C. (1998), “Wheel chair mobility hand
book”, Park press publishing
[3] Cooper, R. A., PH.D. (1998) “Wheel chair
selection and Configuration”, Demos Medical
Fig. 34 Validation from user at hospital
Publishing Inc
The above methodology was adopted to generate the
new concept which is believed to provide good
performance, usability, economic and good in aesthetic
when compared to the existing models in the market.
The combination of unique feature in a single system
will be a successful and will help to sell this product in
the market. The response obtained by the users and
attendees was good, there is full hope that this design
will going to be a real time. The product was sponsored
and fabricated in M/S Sidhi Vinayaka Fab Engineering
Pvt. Ltd., it is an ISO certified company in
manufacturing of stainless steel sheet metal fabrication
in Bangalore. The difference between the existing
product and the concept generated product is shown in
table 4.
[4] Bechtel, R., Certified Rehabilitation Technology
Supplier: University of Michigan Health Systems
Wheelchair Seating Services. (734) 971-8286
[5] Chitale, A. C., Gupta, R. C. (2002),“ Product
design and manufacturing”, Prentice-hall
[6] Lal, G. K., Vijay Gupta (2010), “ Fundamentals
of design and manufacturing”, Narosa Book
[7] Chakrobarti, D. (1997), “Indian Anthropometric
dimensions for Ergonomic design Practice”,
National Institute of Design,
[8] McCombs, K. (2002), “Material hand book”,
McGraw-Hill
[9] Vaccari, J. A.(2002), “Material hand book”,
McGraw-Hill
[10] Ulrich.
K.
(1995),
“Product
Design
&
Development”, Mc Graw Hill Company
[11] Anonymous.
(Dated
20-05-2011),
“http:
//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheelchair”
[12] Anonymous.
(Dated
20-05-2011),
“http
://en.wikipedia.org /wiki / Manual Wheelchair”
[13] Anonymous.
(Dated
20-05-2011),
“http:
//www.amazon.com/Wheelchair-book-mobilitydisabled”
[14] Anonymous.
Table 4 Comparison of existing model with new
design
[15] Anonymous.
(Dated
//www.indiamedico.com
The knowledge gained from product design education is
used to analyse the existing wheel chair product by
means of detailed Market research, GEMBA study,
product study, problem identification, concept
generation, concept finalization, detailing, and mock up
modeling of the finalised concept. Validation of the
prototype is done and usage is found satisfactory.
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20-05-2011),
“http:
//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ergonomics”
7. CONCLUSIONS
SAS
(Dated
20-05-2011),“http:
/
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_aids_products”
[16] Anonymous.(Dated20-05-2011),
“http://
www.globalsources.com/manufacturers/
Wheelchair.html”
[17] Anonymous.
(Dated 21-05-2011), “http://
www.tradeindia.com/manufacturers
/indianmanufacturers/Wheelchair.html”
117
Volume 11, Issue 1, Apr 2012