Mobility RERC Development Projects

RESEARCH | DEVELOPMENT | TRAINING | DELIVERABLES

Design and development of a wheelchair suspension seat

Project Director: Stephen Sprigle, PhD, PT

The project's objective was to design and evaluate a seating system that will replace standard wheelchair upholstery. Named the suspension seat, this device supports the body using tension members. This project began in the previous RERC cycle. A company, The PostureWorks, saw the previous prototype and expressed interest in licensing it. They asked the Mobility RERC to re-start refinement of the initial prototype that led to the institution of this project.

Development of Standards and Test Methods: Wheelchair Cushion Standards

Project Director: Tobias Meyer, ME BME, ME EE
Co-Investigator:Stephen Sprigle, PhD, PT
Advisors: Evan Call, MS; Barbara Crane, PhD, PT, ATP

The objective of this project is to develop and validate three test methods to characterize cushion performance. The specific aims of this project are to: 1) continue validation and refinement of the draft ISO heat and moisture vapor test, 2) complete development and then validate a new test to measure the changes in cushion properties with use, and 3) to develop and validate a new test method on load redistribution properties.

Device to Measure Mechanical Work and Efficiency of a Manual Wheelchair

Principal Investigator: Jayme Caspall, MID
Advisors: Evan Call, MS; Jed Cummins; Wheelchair Manufacturers: Sunrise, Invacare

This project proposes to develop a uniform method to directly measure mechanical work and efficiency needed to propel a wheelchair. The specific aims are to: 1) finalize the problem definition and design criteria with input from wheelchair manufacturers, 2) create potential design solutions based upon the conceptual design framework, 3) fabricate a test rig that can measure propulsion work and efficiency, and 4) validate device measurements.

Inventor-Driven Product Development

Project Director: Chris Maurer, MPT, ATP
Co-Investigator: Stephen Sprigle, PhD, PT
Advisor: David Ellis, PhD

The purpose of this project is to support inventor and small company development of promising mobility-related technologies. Need for such support has been demonstrated within the current mobility RERC and is consistent with conclusions from the Department of Commerce report. The project is designed to formalize engagement of inventors/small companies. There is an established process through which the mobility RERC provides a basic level of support and guidance as well as more advanced development and testing to those with promising mobility products. Specifically, the process includes: 1) an informal brainstorming session addressing technical, market and user issues; 2) formal screening of device potential and RERC capacity to assist in development; 3) invitation to engage inventors/companies with promising technologies; and 4) product testing and/or development of promising technologies.

• Process for inventor engagement with mobility RERC

This effort has resulted in two significant outcomes:

1. Quantum Rehab has released the Synergy Air Cushion; its base material is from Sil-Air. Spectrum Air
2. PostureWorks, another small business, has licensed Sil-Air technology for use in nursing homes. http://www.thepostureworks.com

Proportional Tongue Drive System for Wheelchair / Computer Control

Project Director: Maysam Ghovanloo, PhD
Advisor: David Ellis, PhD

The goal of this orphan technology project is to develop the Tongue Drive System (TDS) as a proportional control for power wheelchair operation. A non-proportional version is currently under development at Georgia Tech's Bionics laboratory. The specific aims of the project are to: 1) identify and synthesize the needs of stakeholder groups to develop TDS design criteria, 2) develop a proportional Tongue Drive magnetic sensor based wireless device, 3) develop real-time signal processing and control algorithms for the TDS, 4) verify the efficacy of the device for use as an alternative power wheelchair and computer control through testing by persons with high level quadriplegia, 5) refine the design based on the efficacy tests, and 6) seek the transfer of the technology to industry or a dedicated start-up company.

Height Adjustable Wheelchair Seat to Facilitate Transfers and Reach

Project Director: Randy Bernard, MID
Advisor: David Ellis, PhD

Wheelchair users are at a height disadvantage during many functional activities, such as transferring or reaching. They are not able to change seated height to improve efficiency or safety of task performance. The aim of this project is to develop a height adjustable wheelchair seat that can be easily adjusted by the wheelchair user to improve transfer and reach. The Specific Aims are to: 1) identify design needs from different stakeholder groups; 2) synthesize the needs into design criteria; 3) design the adjustable height wheelchair seat; 4) fabricate and test the various concepts; 5) validate design through user testing; and 6) seek commercialization of the device.

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