Latin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions
Conference Track: Society
& Technology
Contact Title: Dr.
Contact First Name: Diana
Contact Last Name: Rincon
University:
Florida International University
Web:
http://faculty.eng.fiu.edu/~diana/
Position:
Assistant Professor
Country:
USA
Email:
rincond@fiu.edu
Title:
Rowheel Pulling Wheel System:
An Innovative Approach to Wheelchair Propulsion
Abstract:
The problems encountered by manual wheelchair users have been
generally classified into two main areas. First, the need to increase user
independence and accessibilities with respect to common everyday obstacles
such as doors, ramps, uneven terrains and long distances. Secondly the
need for increased physical benefit to the user by minimizing common
shoulder, wrist and hand injuries innate to prolonged wheelchair use. A
solution to these needs would require a device that would benefit the user
by reducing the likelihood of injuries resulting from prolonged wheelchair
use while simultaneously increasing biomechanical efficiency, user
independence and mobility. The rowheel offers solutions to all of these
concerns. The key to the rowheel lies in its specially designed planetary
hub gearing system, which is built into a standard wheelchair wheel.
The fundamental difference in design and operation between the
Roweel and standard wheels is that the rowheel wheel operates by means of
a pulling/rowing motion as opposed to pushing. This motion offers a more
efficient solution to the problems of shoulder, elbow, wrist injuries and
user fatigue, since a pulling motion requires the use of a stronger and
more capable group of muscles relative to those involved in standard
pushing.
The use of a planetary gear system provides a mechanical advantage
whose magnitude is dependent on the radii of sun and ring gear. This
translates into less effort by the user in order to propel the chair,
thereby increasing endurance and range while reducing user fatigue and
likelihood of injuries.
Mailing Address:
Florida International University
Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering
10555 West Flagler Street
Miami, Florida 33174
Authors: