Wheelchair Design

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Introduction

The aim of wheelchair design is to produce wheelchairs that perform well and can provide appropriate seating and postural support without compromising strength, durability and safety. This can be achieved when government authorities, manufacturers, engineers, designers, service providers and users fulfil their respective roles with respect to design.

Wheelchair designs vary greatly to take account of the diverse needs of users. To ensure wheelchairs are appropriate, designers and providers must thoroughly understand the needs of the intended users and their environments. Users’ needs are best met when there is a variety of models from which to choose. Wheelchairs should be designed to enable their users to participate in as many activities as possible. As a minimum, a wheelchair should enable the user to lead a more active life without having a negative effect on their health or safety. Comfort and safety are two important factors affecting the quality of life of long-term users.

According to WHO the design of a wheelchair depends on a number of factors:

• The physical needs of users
• The environment in which the wheelchair will be used; and
• The materials and technology available where the wheelchair is made and used.

Considerations

Functional Performance

How a wheelchair performs for different users in different environments. The functional performance of a wheelchair is determined by its design and features.

Seating and Postural Support

How a user’s body is supported by the wheelchair. This includes comfort and pressure relief.

Strength, Durability and Safety:

Considers the safety of the user, the resistance to breaking and the durability of the wheelchair.

Needs of the User

an appropriate wheelchair should make it easier for wheelchair users to carry out the things they need to do. Wheelchair users need to be able to get in and out of their wheelchair, to push their wheelchair, to fold the wheelchair for transport and storage and carry out their daily activities. The right type of wheelchair can make it easier for the wheelchair user to do all these things.

Environment

Ergonomics

Posture Support

Production and Supply

Wheelchairs may be produced nationally or imported. To provide a range of wheelchairs, some countries may choose to support both national production and importation. Each supply method has an appropriate application. An important element of the design process is to identify local production and repair resources. A number of factors determine whether a particular design of wheelchair can be produced or repaired in a particular region, including:

• the materials and spare parts available in that region;
• the human resources and skilled technical labour available; and
• the production equipment available.

References