BEACH WHEELCHAIR &

WALKER

Team 13

Maya Alfonso

Kyle O’Brien

Matthew Ellis

Danielle Lapointe

Overview

The Client Purpose of Project Divisions of Labor Part Breakdown Completed Work Budget Conclusion Acknowledgements Questions

Cerebral Palsy

Refers to a number of non-curable neurological disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood and permanently affect body movement and muscle coordination but don’t worsen over time.

Caused by abnormalities in parts of the brain that control muscle movements.

Effects the body’s movement, balance, and posture. Many different treatments: Physical therapy, Botox to

relax contracting muscles, drugs to control seizures, and orthotic devices.

Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Most common type of Cerebral Palsy Neuromuscular mobility impairment

Stemming from an upper motor neuron lesion in the brain

Have one or more tight muscle groups which limit movement

Patients have a hard time holding and letting go of objects

Difficulty moving from one position to another (stiff, jerky movements)

The Client

Jack Davies 12 years old 72 pounds 4’ 4” tall Diagnosed with cerebral palsy,

also suffers from scoliosis

Project Purpose

Design a wheelchair capable of safely transporting Jack across sandy terrainImportant that there be enough restraints for

Jack to be safe but also be comfortableDevice must be compatible with tumbleforms

chair that parents haveChair must also be able to support feeding

tube and accompanying backpack apparatusFor maximum comfort, chair should recline

at multiple angles

Overview of Chair

Division of Labor

Kyle O’BrienMechanical Design

○ Solidworks part simulationsFabrication and Construction

Maya AlfonsoParts DesignDealer ContactFabrication and Construction

Seat (Tumbleforms Chair)

Parents are providing a seat that is

tailored to Jack’s size and support

needs Seat is best suited to provide

support for Jack’s scoliosis Removable to allow

wheelchair to fold smaller Allows family to replace

cushions to adjust to Jack’s figure as he grows

Frame Platform and back frame Seat will be anchored to

back frame by very strong Velcro adhesive

Will have ability to recline at various angles

Compact frame for easy packing

Locking pin system that will allow chair to fold

Chassis Lower section of the chair

that sits under the seat platform

Includes axels and is weight bearing portion of chair

Must be built to withstand Jack’s weight as he grows

Built to absorb some of the shock of rough terrain

Wheels

Wheelez brandBack wheels: 49 cm

PU beach wheelsFront wheels: 24 cm

PU beach wheels with caster

Reclining Mechanism

oTilt-in-space style reclining

oMultiple angles to choose from

Completed Work

Comprehensive and complete mechanical design

Parts and materials selection Strength evaluation of selected metal

parts

Budget

Parts Estimated Cost

Frame (axle, lower frame, seat platform, back support) $1,200

Tires $400

Misc. (Velcro, pads, paint, etc.) $200

Total Cost $1,800

The Client

Matthew Davies12 years oldCerebral Palsy98 lbs.4’ 11” tallCan walk, is receptiveUses a walker or quad-canes

to move around

Purpose of The Project Develop a posterior walker for Matthew

that can be used across sand and other difficult terrainMust be able to provide trunk support to

promote proper gait Safety is the most important aspectMust be able to fold conveniently for easy

transportationWill have a broad height adjustment range to

make it suitable for Matthew for many years

Divisions of Labor

MattMechanical DesignFabrication and Construction

DanielleOrdering Parts/Dealer ContactFabrication and Construction

Frame Wenzelite NIMBO Young

Adult Lightweight Aluminum Posterior Walker Frame

PortabilityLightweightCollapsible

Frame Height

Adjustable heightAluminum rods welded to

original frame to extend the range

Add roughly 4 to 5 inches to the original height range

Accommodating client’s growth to an expected height of 6 feet

Wheels

Medical Wheeleez WheelsPolyurethane balloon wheelsNon-corrosive and will not puncture8 inch diameter wheels for the back11 inch diameter wheels for the frontNew swivel casters for the two front

wheels to accommodate the change in size

Seat Wenzelite Seat Harness

Allow for Matthew to

sit and rest anywhere Waterproof Seat

Neoprene seat cover will protect the seat from wet bathing suits

Brakes

Need disc brakes to allow optimal safety for Matthew when he is seated

Completed Work

Ordered and received walker frame and seat harness

Ordered Brakes Wheels and accessories selection CAD design in progress

Budget

Parts Cost

Frame 183

Wheels 475

Seat 50

Harness 50

Brakes 70

Miscellaneous 200

Shipping 100

Total ~1100

Conclusion

Priority is Jack’s and Matthew’s safety Provide client with beach travel that can

adjust to his size as he grows Design a product that is both easy to

transport and easy for parents to push and use

Design product to exactly meet the needs of the clients and their family

Acknowledgements

Davies Family Dr. Enderle Marek and Emily Jennifer Desrosiers and Kerrie Wenzler Serge and Pete – UConn Machine Shop

QUESTIONS?