Conceptual design of trail wheelchair with emphasis on ergonomic evaluation

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.2164424090210

• Palavras-chave: Wheelchair; Trails; Ergonomics.

• Keywords: Wheelchair; Trails; Ergonomics.

• Abstract:

  This article describes the design of a wheelchair for trails, prioritizing ergonomic and affordable aspects. The inspiration arose from the need to integrate people with mobility disabilities to enjoy nature, recognizing the physical and mental benefits that this integration provides. The personal motivation came from the experience of family members of one of the authors, who face challenges due to a rare and degenerative disease (spinocerebellar ataxia type 3). After studying the development of the wheelchair, exploring existing solutions and carrying out questionnaires with the target audience, alternatives for the ergonomic design were identified. A detailed ergonomic analysis was performed for different percentiles (P5 and P95), ensuring consistent validations. The final project resulted in a wheelchair with a detachable structure, using rigid systems and a suspension set. It includes footrests, armrests, headrests, and front and back supports for caregivers, as well as static mechanisms for stabilization when at rest.