Mock-up Based on the foldable option for battery assisted wheelchair a mock-up was made in wire frame for study purpose. A detachable platform with extra caster wheels is fixed to the chassis on which the battery pack can be mounted. The powered option can be included or added later on in stages. The external platform can be attached externally in case there is a requirement to carry oxygen cylinder. Observations In the minimalistic frame it was observed that in the absence of the horizontal stiffening member the chassis becomes weak and the folding action is not smooth. Also the wheelchair becomes eccentric as when the person sits on it the weight is not evenly distributed on all the wheels. The chair becomes heavy on the rear side. Which will not be suitable if the child has a loss of lower limbs.
Mock-up -2 (revised with horizontal stiffening member)
Horizontal stiffening member
Detachable platform Rear caster wheels Mock-up -1(without horizontal stiffening member)
220 I
Amrapali Satpudke I Product Design I NID 2010
redefining mobility