Folio Sample:
WHEELCHAIR BRAKE
Date: 2000
Client: University of Calgary, Motivation Inc.
Challenge: The brake system was the result of a five day charrette, hosted by British designer and founder of NGO Motivation, Inc., David Constantine.
The challenge was to design a wheelchair brake system for underdeveloped regions where wheelchairs are generally hand-made of wood. The terrain commonly found in such regions consists of uneven paths that often have slopes that prove inaccessible for wheelchair users.
The brake system had to be manufacturable with locally available materials and technologies for under 10 USD.
Solution: An interdiciplinary academic team consisting of one Architecture, one Community Rehabilitation, one Mechanical Engineering, and one Industrial Design student was put together to come up with a solution.
The team came up with a solution that, not only came in under budget (~3USD); but provided a solution ready to be taken to the people in need.
The ratcheting effect of the design allows users to reposition their hands on the wheels without minimal loss of forward travel.The simplicity of the design lends to the it's effectiveness. The brake levers are easily accessed and engaged by the wheelchair-bound user. When not in use, the brakes stow securely out of the way of the wheels.
The design is currently being manufactured in many developing countries throughout the world.
Responsibilities: (Collaboratively with group) Problem Definition, Expert Interviews, Design Development, CAD, Prototyping, Testing
here.
