Fox, Harrison (2024) Conceptual Design of an Ultra High-Performance and Durable Wheelchair for Recreational Outdoor use. [USQ Project]
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Abstract
Recently, there has been a significant rise in inclusivity, including for the disabled. A significant aspect of this can be said to be the disabled in sports, with avenues such as the Paralympics, with numerous differing sports on offer with the aim of including the disabled such that they can play in their own ‘top tier’ of sports. This, however, begs the question of how society can be increasingly more inclusive of the disabled, in this case, within sports. An avenue for this is enabling equipment, such as wheelchairs and other pieces of equipment the disabled use, which can be modified so that they become safer and more effective for use in respective sports. In this case, this project aims to design a conceptual product that acts as an enabling device for the disabled, specifically the paraplegic, so they have a similar experience to what the non-disabled would have when participating in recreational mountain biking. In saying this, the needs of the paraplegic in this area have been studied, as well as the problems that the disabled encounter when participating in recreational sports. This knowledge, combined with thorough background research and Finite Element Analysis using Autodesk Inventor, has produced a product that not only replicates the experience within reason but is safe, reasonably sustainable, user-friendly, and cost-effective.
From research, multiple concepts were considered to get a basic understanding of what would be required from a design standpoint such that the concept delivers equally or better to concepts currently on the market. To begin, two initial sub-system combinations were made, these being a mixture of motors, wheels, braking systems and other componentry that would be switched or replaced to reduce costs. Calculations were undertaken to determine what would be required of a motor and braking system, as well as what is required from suspension componentry and other componentry relating to concept performance, safety, user-friendliness, cost-effectiveness and sustainability. FEA was undertaken through Autodesk Inventor to determine the validity of self-designed chassis and suspension components, allowing an articulating front suspension system capable of transversing more considerable obstacles than what is seen on most aMTBs. The analysis, paired with in-depth research on concepts currently on the market and materials, led to many design decisions that led to the final design paired with the materials required for the concept to work sufficiently. Cost analysis was also undertaken to gain insight into the cost versus performance capabilities which then assist in making the design decisions for the final concept, with the chosen sub-systems.
From the methodology, a final concept could be designed, with a mixture of both initial concepts, these being both performance orientated, and cost orientated to give a resulting product that had the capability of both areas. This led to a final product that was on-par with concepts currently on the market, while only being a fraction of the price. Albeit testing of the main two components was unsuccessful, the materials used can be backed via research and as such is sufficient. This was paired with off-the-market products that were used and underwent a final cost analysis to determine the final approximate price of the concept, however, it is worth nothing that this final price is an approximation, and a physical version once manufactured and built may be less or more expensive depending on several variables. The overall weight of the concept can also be said to be at or under the 45kg assumed. Therefore, this makes all calculations accurate and proves that the chassis with the subsystem combination will work sufficiently. A lot of information throughout this process was learnt about the ductility of metals and the different structural components that can improve safety within vehicles.
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| Item Type: | USQ Project |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Engineering (1 Jan 2022 -) |
| Supervisors: | Goh, Steven |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) |
| Date Deposited: | 07 Oct 2025 04:53 |
| Last Modified: | 07 Oct 2025 04:53 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | disabled; recreational sport |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/53039 |
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