Redesign of the double hand rim modification of the "Whirlwind" Wheelchair for manufacture in developing nations
Name
57587756-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
1.9 MB
Format
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Checksum (MD5)
100f34f6792ba0036c9b00eae9f925fb
Author(s)
Bass, Cameron M., 1982-
Advisor(s)
Edward B. Seldin.
Date Issued
2004
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
In this thesis, I investigate possible improvements to the design of a wheelchair for manufacture in a developing nation, specifically one designed for use by persons with hemiplegia. Ralf Hotchkiss's "Whirlwind" Wheelchair is currently manufactured with local materials in many developing nations. It provides both an affordable source of quality wheelchairs for the populace as well as a source of employment. J.A. van Alphen and D.R. Arbib made modifications to the original Wheelchair design so that it would be usable by hemiplegics. However, on manufacture in Duranguito, Mexico, the chair was deemed unusable due to certain flaws. After analyzing the design of the chair, potential solutions for the two most critical problems are suggested, taking care to avoid undue increases in cost or complexity of manufacture.
Description
Thesis (S.B.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2004.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 32).
Subjects
Mechanical Engineering.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering
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