Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Authors' Class Standing
Connor Powers, senior
Lead Presenter's Name
Connor Powers
Faculty Mentor Name
Victor Huayamave
Abstract
Modern wheelchairs use a push-rim design requiring the user to reach down to the wheels and roll themselves forward. Standardized wheelchairs are an essential form of transportation for over 3.6 million people in the United States, according to “Americans with Disabilities.” Of the 3.6 million people who are wheelchair bound 65-80% suffer from wheelchair related injuries. The reason for some of these injuries is that the arm motion of push-rim wheelchairs puts stress on the rotator cuffs, carpal tendons, and ligaments. This stress and repetitive motion often lead to muscular tears and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. To resolve this, the LeverDrive wheelchair was designed to make propulsion more natural, easier, and assist in rehabilitation of those damaged areas. The LeverDrive system has two lever arms as a mode of propulsion, reducing strain on the body.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
The Lever Drive Wheelchair
Modern wheelchairs use a push-rim design requiring the user to reach down to the wheels and roll themselves forward. Standardized wheelchairs are an essential form of transportation for over 3.6 million people in the United States, according to “Americans with Disabilities.” Of the 3.6 million people who are wheelchair bound 65-80% suffer from wheelchair related injuries. The reason for some of these injuries is that the arm motion of push-rim wheelchairs puts stress on the rotator cuffs, carpal tendons, and ligaments. This stress and repetitive motion often lead to muscular tears and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. To resolve this, the LeverDrive wheelchair was designed to make propulsion more natural, easier, and assist in rehabilitation of those damaged areas. The LeverDrive system has two lever arms as a mode of propulsion, reducing strain on the body.