Manual wheelchair users who live in cold climates are faced with daily difficulties related to personal independence and societal inclusion, as their assistive devices are unable to overcome the physical barriers created by snow. Packed snow on sidewalks creates a barrier for wheelchair users as the small caster wheels become embedded in the snow-pack, this leads to upper body fatigue as well as wheelchair tipping, and falling. The purpose of this thesis was to develop a method by which the best design could be determined of a group of four commercially available manual wheelchair casters. This method was developed based on the HAAT model of assistive technology design. It was confirmed that snow-packed surfaces, as well as increased inclines, had a significant detrimental effect on the recorded human factors determinants, as well as conventional engineering determinants. / October 2016

<p>This degree project is on 15 university points which correspond to 10 weeks full time studies. The work has been carried out during autumn term 2007 and spring term 2008. This degree project has been carried out with the cooperation of Etac Supply Center AB who is located in Anderstorp.</p><p>It’s been Etac interest to develop a solution which helps the user of the wheelchair over obstacles. My task has been to develop a concept that solves the problem according to the requirement specification.</p><p>In the rapport the reader can follow the development from an idea to a finished concept. The biggest feature in the work has been to develop a new suggestion in consultation with Etac. The final solution has been dimensioned after the forces that arise at impact. The finished solution has then been manufactured as a full scaled model.</p>

A computer simulation program was previously developed by the researcher which determines a theoretically optimal movement pattern for the free throw in wheelchair basketball. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the external validity of the optimization program by examining whether the knowledge of the optimal movement pattern facilitates performance of the free throw in wheelchair basketball. </p><p>In a pilot study, four able-bodied players from the Saskatchewan Wheelchair Basketball Mens Team were invited to participate on one occasion. These participants were videotaped shooting free throws to provide knowledge of an expert wheelchair free throw movement pattern. Using video analysis, it was found that the release conditions used by this group were very similar to those predicted to be optimal. This lent support to the predicted optimal movement pattern being an actual optimal movement pattern for the free throw in wheelchair basketball. In the primary study, thirty-three able-bodied male participants were randomly assigned to three groups: a no-feedback group; a video-feedback group; and an optimal pattern feedback group. The participants performed wheelchair basketball free throw training for three days over one week. The no-feedback group simply shot free throws from a wheelchair, whereas the video-feedback group viewed video of their previous free throws, and the optimal pattern group viewed video of their previous free throws with an optimal free throw pattern superimposed. The participants also completed a pretest one week before and a retention test one week after the training period. </p> <p>A repeated measures ANOVA was used to test for significant differences between the three training groups in free throw success in wheelchair basketball over each testing occasion. The statistical analyses indicated that there were no differences in free throw success between the group that had knowledge of their personalized optimal movement pattern when compared to the groups that received either no-feedback or video-feedback (p<0.05). </p> <p>Video analysis revealed that the wheelchair free throw movement pattern of participants in the optimal pattern group changed substantially from the pretest to the post-test. This suggests that the participants in the optimal pattern group were making progress towards their optimal movement patterns, but had not yet mastered the movement pattern.

Full time wheelchair users are at a height disadvantage during many function activities, such as transferring or reaching. Retrieving objects from the ground or a higher shelf while seated in the wheelchair can be both difficult and unsafe. Lateral transfers between surfaces at different heights can be difficult and unsafe. Sit-to-stand transfers are made simpler with a higher seat. This research project seeks to assist reach and transfers by designing a system to raise and lower a wheelchair seat over a 4'' range. The project included several needs assessment: 1) by conducting interviews and surveys, identify design needs from different stakeholder groups; 2) analysis of stakeholder groups' feedback and synthesis into design criteria; and 3) creation of design concepts for the adjustable height wheelchair seat; 4) evaluation of the design by setting up heuristic evaluation criteria and perform user testing; 5) design revision design based on user's performance and feedback. The design process included fabricating and testing of various concepts, validating design through user testing, and addresses technology transfer of the device.

A computer simulation program was previously developed by the researcher which determines a theoretically optimal movement pattern for the free throw in wheelchair basketball. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the external validity of the optimization program by examining whether the knowledge of the optimal movement pattern facilitates performance of the free throw in wheelchair basketball. </p><p>In a pilot study, four able-bodied players from the Saskatchewan Wheelchair Basketball Mens Team were invited to participate on one occasion. These participants were videotaped shooting free throws to provide knowledge of an expert wheelchair free throw movement pattern. Using video analysis, it was found that the release conditions used by this group were very similar to those predicted to be optimal. This lent support to the predicted optimal movement pattern being an actual optimal movement pattern for the free throw in wheelchair basketball. In the primary study, thirty-three able-bodied male participants were randomly assigned to three groups: a no-feedback group; a video-feedback group; and an optimal pattern feedback group. The participants performed wheelchair basketball free throw training for three days over one week. The no-feedback group simply shot free throws from a wheelchair, whereas the video-feedback group viewed video of their previous free throws, and the optimal pattern group viewed video of their previous free throws with an optimal free throw pattern superimposed. The participants also completed a pretest one week before and a retention test one week after the training period. </p> <p>A repeated measures ANOVA was used to test for significant differences between the three training groups in free throw success in wheelchair basketball over each testing occasion. The statistical analyses indicated that there were no differences in free throw success between the group that had knowledge of their personalized optimal movement pattern when compared to the groups that received either no-feedback or video-feedback (p<0.05). </p> <p>Video analysis revealed that the wheelchair free throw movement pattern of participants in the optimal pattern group changed substantially from the pretest to the post-test. This suggests that the participants in the optimal pattern group were making progress towards their optimal movement patterns, but had not yet mastered the movement pattern.

This thesis presents the results from a modification of a previously existing research project titled the Intelligent Pothole Repair Vehicle (IPRV). The direction of the research in this thesis was changed toward the development of an industrially based mobile robot. The principal goal of this work was the demonstration of the Precision Mechatronics Lab (PML) robot. This robot should be capable of traversing any known distance while maintaining a minimal position error. An optical correction capability has been added with the addition of a webcam and the appropriate image processing software. The primary development goal was the ability to maintain the accuracy and performance of the robot with inexpensive and low-resolution hardware. Combining the two abilities of dead-reckoning and optical correction on a single platform will yield a robot with the ability to accurately travel any distance. As shown in this thesis, the additional capability of off-loading its visual processing tasks to a remote computer allows the PML robot to be developed with less expensive hardware. The majority of the literature research presented in this paper is in the area of visual processing. Various methods used in industry to accomplish robotic mobility, optical processing, image enhancement, and target interception have been presented. This background material is important in understanding the complexity of this field of research and the potential application of the work conducted in this thesis. The methods shown in this research can be extended to other small robotic vehicles, with two separate drive wheels. An empirical method based upon system identification was used to develop the motion controllers. This research demonstrates a successful combination of a dead-reckoning capability, an optical correction method, and a simplified controller methodology capable of accurate path following. Implementation of this procedure could be extended to multiple and inexpensive robots used in a manufacturing setting.

ABSTRACT The wheelchair is an auxiliary tool for people who have defective legs. In the viewpoint of mechanical efficiency, the typical manual wheelchair does not provide optimal efficiency, and the wheelchair occupant can¡¦t travel easier and faster for longer distances. The regular, standard manual wheelchair is only suitable for residential environment and short-distance movement, and it¡¦s unsuitable for outdoor long-distance movement. The purpose of this study is to design a new-pattern manual wheelchair for outdoor recreation and long-distance movement, so that the users can expand their living space beyond the residential areas. In order to enhance the efficiency of propulsion for manual wheelchairs, the new-pattern wheelchair has a new type of dive system. In this study , we will design a detachable drive mechanism for manual wheelchairs. The new-pattern wheelchair has two kinds of different propulsive modes, the wheelchair occupant can depend on his requirement to decide what propulsive mode he needs. At last, we hope that we can promote the performance of wheelchair effectively by means of study and design.,and that is the principal objective for this study.

This thesis presents the results from a modification of a previously existing research project titled the Intelligent Pothole Repair Vehicle (IPRV). The direction of the research in this thesis was changed toward the development of an industrially based mobile robot. The principal goal of this work was the demonstration of the Precision Mechatronics Lab (PML) robot. This robot should be capable of traversing any known distance while maintaining a minimal position error. An optical correction capability has been added with the addition of a webcam and the appropriate image processing software. The primary development goal was the ability to maintain the accuracy and performance of the robot with inexpensive and low-resolution hardware. Combining the two abilities of dead-reckoning and optical correction on a single platform will yield a robot with the ability to accurately travel any distance. As shown in this thesis, the additional capability of off-loading its visual processing tasks to a remote computer allows the PML robot to be developed with less expensive hardware. The majority of the literature research presented in this paper is in the area of visual processing. Various methods used in industry to accomplish robotic mobility, optical processing, image enhancement, and target interception have been presented. This background material is important in understanding the complexity of this field of research and the potential application of the work conducted in this thesis. The methods shown in this research can be extended to other small robotic vehicles, with two separate drive wheels. An empirical method based upon system identification was used to develop the motion controllers. This research demonstrates a successful combination of a dead-reckoning capability, an optical correction method, and a simplified controller methodology capable of accurate path following. Implementation of this procedure could be extended to multiple and inexpensive robots used in a manufacturing setting.

This degree project is on 15 university points which correspond to 10 weeks full time studies. The work has been carried out during autumn term 2007 and spring term 2008. This degree project has been carried out with the cooperation of Etac Supply Center AB who is located in Anderstorp. It’s been Etac interest to develop a solution which helps the user of the wheelchair over obstacles. My task has been to develop a concept that solves the problem according to the requirement specification. In the rapport the reader can follow the development from an idea to a finished concept. The biggest feature in the work has been to develop a new suggestion in consultation with Etac. The final solution has been dimensioned after the forces that arise at impact. The finished solution has then been manufactured as a full scaled model.

Thesis (MTech( Electrical Engineering)) -- Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2012 / Due to the complex design of existing electric mobility vehicles in South Africa and their imported parts, make them unaffordable to the majority of disabled people in South Africa. The traditional electric units are also not practical for use in rural areas due to the heavy, bulky design. The scope of this study was to investigate various designs using existing wheelchair frame designs, low cost three phase hub motors and various electronic techniques to achieve the desired functionality. An attempt was be made to remove inefficient and expensive DC brush motors and the gear boxes associated with the traditional design of wheelchairs, while still allowing the unit to fold like the traditional manual chair design. One of the aims for this electric wheelchair was to utilise existing large radius wheels, typical of manual wheelchairs and a modified traditional frame design, providing the clearance often necessary to overcome rough terrain whilst enabling the chair to be used as a manual wheelchair should the battery fail. One of the primary aims of the project was to develop a method for an electric assist feature built into the modified electric wheelchair, whereby the force applied to the manual pushrims on the wheels would be measured and the electric component would proportionally assist the user. This option suits the users who are weak but not physically disabled. One of the many focal points here would be on HIV/AIDS patients, which is prevalent in South Africa, who may require a wheelchair when debilitated with this disease. The electric assist portion of the design would act similarly to a wireless self-powered torque sensor, allowing for an array of applications besides the electric assist portion of this project. A recent survey by National Government indicated that over 85% of wheelchair users only generated an income of between R0 – R500 per month. Low state disability grants and wage figures for disabled and HIV/AIDS patients mean that electric mobility vehicles have become a luxury rather than an essential commodity in South Africa. The need for cheap electric wheelchairs that could cope with the rural terrain and could be fitted onto existing manual wheelchairs offering the full manual operation should the batteries go flat, was clearly apparent. The cost of an electric wheelchair ranges from R18 000 with more advanced models escalating in price to well over R150 000. These prices were typically the result of the complexity of the unit and local wheelchair manufacturers having to import 80% of their parts from abroad. The largest local manufacturer is CE Mobility which is the dominant mobility vehicle supplier in Southern Africa and has the only SABS approved units for sale. Our complete redesigned wheelchair including the manual frame supplied by an existing supplier would only cost R9 000. A prototype demonstrated that is was possible to build a wheelchair that meets all these criteria. A cost effective unit could provide a solution to assist and enable economically challenged and disabled people in rural areas of Southern Africa.