The team has started the preliminary design of the wheelchair. So far we have rough sketches of several different options. As the design is solidified, it will be posted to this page.
Update 02/06/02: We have, for the most part, settled on the component level design of the wheelchair. This means:
We are now ready to start analyzing the components for strength, fatigue, stability, and safety. An impact analysis/study must also be done to determine if more is needed to make a more comfortable ride. Sketches will be coming soon.
Update 03/05/02 : We have frozen the design and are now ready to build. We will meet with our client soon to get the final okay. The following are some of the drawings.
Here is an FEM analysis of the chair, under worst-case loading conditions. The load is applied in the worst spot, and concentrated into one inch. This loading is very unlikely, yet is the worst-case.
Oops, coming soon
And the results are a maximum Von Mises stress of about 5700 psi, well under the tensile limit of 16,000 psi for our aluminum. In fact, F.S. = 2.8.
Coming soon
Here is the animated deflection of the worst case load:
Brett and Roy discussing the design.
Scott making calculations
Enjoy!!!
Last updated: May 15, 2008