College - Author 1

College of Engineering

Department - Author 1

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 2

College of Engineering

Department - Author 2

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 2

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 3

College of Engineering

Department - Author 3

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 3

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 4

College of Engineering

Department - Author 4

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 4

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Date

6-2021

Primary Advisor

Eltahry Elghandour, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department

Abstract/Summary

Many of those with mobility limitations who are told they will need a wheelchair for the rest of their lives can actually begin to stand and walk again given the proper tools and support. The current design for a wheelchair seeking to support this process is overly complex, heavy, and exhibits some features that could potentially pose a serious health hazard to those using it. The scope of this project is to aid in the design of an adaptable composite wheelchair frame that can be both lightweight and strong, while still allowing for physical diversity of potential users. Through research and the preliminary design process, this team has determined that the best way to accomplish these goals is by incorporating a composite pegboard system to fix different attachments to, such that the design can adapt to multiple users with varying physical abilities. This document will highlight important aspects of background research, the strategies that the team used to decide the most important qualities that led to the preliminary designs, the final concept selection, and the overall plan to move forward with this project. The main challenges involved with a design like this have to do with cost, manufacturability, and weight. Most lightweight yet strong materials are expensive considering the application at hand. However, the goal of this project is to design a wheelchair not only for one particular user, but for many users who cannot currently afford the solutions available on the market. In addition to the cost considerations, the overarching design initiative is to create a safe and effective way for many users to regain the ability to stand and possibly walk if given the right set of tools. The particular design challenge of this team’s project scope focuses on the analysis of the specific strengths of various composite materials and the possibility of delamination in a composite pegboard application. In order to combat these challenges, the team has further discussed a wide range of composite fibers, geometries of cores and layups, and core material selections. To ensure the highest quality result, the team has emphasized a focus on solely designing and testing the best possible material and geometry combination of a single rear framing panel, according to the sponsor’s specifications, rather than attempting to complete the design of a full composite wheelchair. Utilizing strain gage data and deflection measurements for multiple test panels, the team successfully analyzed the effects of varied geometry and core materials on composite panel bending stiffness. The team formed a recommendation for further research and testing before instituting a design solution for the sponsor to use in improving the current prototype of the assistive wheelchair device.

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