It¡¦s easy to get the complication of shoulder by using the traditional type of driving a wheelchair, and the move speed of a wheelchair is upper with motor-driven, so makes shimmy or slide usually appearing on caster when the wheelchair is steering .On the other hand, the drive mechanism of wheelchair by single-wheel was developed by the members of MEVL at the same time that this paper was written. Because of these reasons above, this paper analyze the type of steering mechanism and the patents of wheelchair¡¦s steering mechanism first, secondly find the fittest steering mechanism type for a wheelchair. Furthermore, this paper also discusses some irregular conditions of a caster and theirs reasons and how to prove them when a wheelchair is steering or moving with high speed by using several simpler mode of mechanics, such as caster shimmy, the slip angle of a caster, and some irregular cases when wheelchair is driven by single wheel. Finally this paper will design a new type steering mechanism for wheelchair by applied the results of research that above-mentioned, this new steering mechanism not only improve the traditional steering mode of a wheelchair, also avoid several irregular condition above occurring in the caster, moreover, it can be enabled or disabled by user anytime. So this paper expects that the performance of a wheelchair will be raised after the new type steering mechanism is designed.

With an increasing globalization, companies are forced to develop new products. That is why product development process is successfully used in companies all over the world. The main reason is to stay ahead of the competitors and continually improve the products to more competitive prices.The number of wheelchair users is continually increasing all over the world and the same increase occurs in Sweden. For this reason the Swedish social board stated The Swedish disability policy, which aim is to minimalize differences between people with disabilities and people without. One part, which is emphasized, is transportation. To reach independence, the possibility to drive a car and bring the wheelchair without assistance is of vital importance.This thesis consists of two main parts – theory and its application. The first part is mainly theory regarding a systematic engineering process as well as a part based on empirical research. It contains information related to the topic of the thesis, which are gathered through observation and interviews rather than acknowledged facts. The second one is the implementation of the theory during development of a wheelchair loading device, which are based on customer requirements.

Two separate field studies were conducted to examine the predictions of the multidimensional anxiety theory with both elite able-bodied basketball players and elite wheelchair basketball players. A secondary purpose of this study was to examine the influence of functional classification on cognitive and somatic anxiety and self-confidence in wheelchair athletes. In experiment one, twelve collegiate basketball players completed the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-II) prior to each of nine league games and in experiment two, thirty-one elite wheel chair basketball players completed the CSAI-II prior to each of three tournament games. Results were analyzed in both field studies using the intraindividual procedures recommended by Sonstroem and Bernado (1982) and separate polynomial trend analyses were used to test the predictions of multidimensional anxiety theory. Results did not provide statistical support for multidimensional anxiety theory in that there were no reliable trends between cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety, self-confidence and basketball performance in both field studies. In experiment two, results indicated that no significant differences in cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety and self-confidence occurred as a function of wheelchair classification.

Community participation during the cold winter months is difficult for wheeled mobility device (WMD) users. However, limited attention has been given to understanding this problem, and collaboratively identifying solutions with stakeholders. This qualitative study explored the issues faced by key stakeholders (WMD users and Public Works Department employees) regarding use and provision of accessible sidewalks in winter and identified solutions. Eleven participants informed the study through a combination of go-along interviews, key informant interviews, photographs, and meteorological data. Four themes were identified: the context of winter season, winter and wheels interact, winter versus the city, and a framework for winter access and success. Solutions included creating awareness, taking action, and assuming accountability through collaborative efforts and increased information sharing. Based on the perspectives of informed stakeholders this study contributes to the development of focused interventions for overcoming winter sidewalk barriers and thus, enabling winter community participation of WMD users.

The manual wheelchair (MWC) and power wheelchair (PWC) each present advantages and disadvantages to participation and occupational performance. Consequently, some individuals choose to use both devices, depending upon the activity. A pushrim-activated, power-assisted wheelchair (PPW) may provide an alternative to the PWC for these users. This study utilized a two-phase, mixed methods design, comparing the performance and satisfaction of wheelchair users carrying out self-selected activities with their current PWC and with a PPW. There was no statistically significant difference in outcome measures between the PWC and PPW; however, many participants reported a preference for the PWC. Less accessible environments, particularly when transporting a wheelchair, were identified as opportunities for PPW use. Rather than replacing the PWC for all of their identified activities, participants indicated the PPW improved upon the MWC. As a result, participants expressed a willingness to try more (and new) activities, including some previously performed with the PWC.

Wheelchair manufacturers design their products to provide the best possible experience to their users. The user effort and wheelchair mechanical efficiency during motion are highly affected by rolling resistance, which is a resistive force depending on many factors such as vehicle speed, tire/floor materials and tire inflation pressure. The study of this force over several conditions could lead to improvements in wheelchair design. The Anatomical Model Propulsion System (AMPS) is a robotic device to test manual wheelchairs with better repeatability than human subjects, helping to identify the effect of resistive forces. It uses electric motors to apply torque directly to the rear wheel handrims. In this thesis, a control system is developed to achieve a specified wheelchair trajectory and velocity profile, by controlling the input torque to the system. A kinetic and dynamic model is used to estimate this necessary input. Data collected from different experiments allows to determine rolling resistance under various conditions. The results show that rolling resistance also varies with acceleration, affecting the overall mechanical efficiency of a wheelchair following different velocity profiles.

The manual wheelchair (MWC) and power wheelchair (PWC) each present advantages and disadvantages to participation and occupational performance. Consequently, some individuals choose to use both devices, depending upon the activity. A pushrim-activated, power-assisted wheelchair (PPW) may provide an alternative to the PWC for these users. This study utilized a two-phase, mixed methods design, comparing the performance and satisfaction of wheelchair users carrying out self-selected activities with their current PWC and with a PPW. There was no statistically significant difference in outcome measures between the PWC and PPW; however, many participants reported a preference for the PWC. Less accessible environments, particularly when transporting a wheelchair, were identified as opportunities for PPW use. Rather than replacing the PWC for all of their identified activities, participants indicated the PPW improved upon the MWC. As a result, participants expressed a willingness to try more (and new) activities, including some previously performed with the PWC.

The wheelchair is an unmistakeable sign of bodily damage. It is the universal symbol of disability. How then do wheelchair users feel about themselves? How do they manage their relationship with others? How do people maintain a satisfactory self-image in the face of the highly visible chair and its associated symbolism? Some people will always see the wheelchair as a tool, just like any other piece of equipment that they may use to get a job done. However, for other people, wheelchair is more than just a tool; it becomes embodied, it becomes a part of them.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Texas State University-San Marcos, 2007. / Vita. Appendices: leaves 101-117. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 5-7, 33-36, 65-66, 95-98).

Thesis (Ph.D)--Bioengineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2010. / Committee Chair: Sprigle, Stephen; Committee Member: Brani Vidakovic; Committee Member: Charlie Lachenbruch; Committee Member: John L. Lin; Committee Member: Rudy Gleason. Part of the SMARTech Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Collection.