The design of a frame for an all terrain, lever propelled wheelchair

Abstract

This thesis outlines the process of designing a frame for the Leveraged Freedom Chair (LFC) Prime, an all-terrain levered powered wheelchair designed to improve the mobility of disabled individuals. This design allows for a system of two hand lever propulsion, turning, and braking that uses different hand grasp and gross movement patterns than those of a conventional wheelchair making it more efficient for a variety of functional mobility applications. The LFC Prime uses the fundamental design elements of the existing LFC design that has been developed for applications in third world countries. With the goal of manufacturing this product in the United States, a greater array of design possibilities become feasible due to the availability of higher performance materials and bicycle parts that would greatly enhance its performance. Therefore the LFC Prime wheelchair has the opportunity to make an impact in improving the mobility independence of a variety of disabled individuals in the US and other developed countries allowing them to adventure into all-terrain environments.