Goal
The goal of this project is to develop a mechanism that could help paraplegics perform pressure relief while seated in a wheelchair. C6 and higher paraplegics have some bicep and wrist extension strength but lack strength in their triceps. This means that they cannot push nor lift themselves, hindering their ability to relieve the pressure on their butt and thighs while seated. Normal seating position will exert a pressure on the skin that prevents blood flow through the capillaries. A failure to properly perform pressure relief will cause pressure sores to form, where the skin in that area dies due to oxygen deprivation. Pressure sores require surgery to remove, costs thousands of dollars, requires weeks of recovery, and greatly increases the likelihood of future pressure sore formation. Thus it is vitally important to paraplegics to perform pressure relief.
Sponsor Requirements
Through several meetings with the sponsor, we drafted a set of requirements. These are:
- Unpowered
- Low-weight
- High mechanical advantage
After incorporating these into our design process, we decided on three things:
- Use wood as the main construction material to decrease weight
- Utilize a toggle lock to eliminate the need for a locking mechanism to decrease weight
- Eliminate the motor element