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Wheelchair/ Rollator

Mark Whitfield

Introduction

The idea was to create a self-propelled wheelchair that can be used as a wheelchair, a rollator, a transit chair or just simply somewhere to sit.

Design Brief

Design a wheelchair/ rollator with a frame that can be assembled without the use of welding or specialist equipment. This frame must be able to be adjustable to fit all types of persons, be light weight and easily assembled – disassembled on a daily basis for transportation and cost no more than £1,000.00.

A pencil drawing of a wheelchair and an axle pin plate and thoughts about conversion to a rollator.

The dream.

A wheelchair/ rollator which is compact and light weight. The frame will be designed to fit in any vehicle. The rollator will have standard sized, 24 inch quick release rear wheels. When used as a rollator, the user will be supported by resting against the arm-rests, forward of the tipping point for added safety.

The end product.
The device is built by using a 6063-aluminium t-slot profile, recycled rear wheels, casters and back rest from broken wheel chairs.


Build-time:

  • Cutting T-slot profile to size = 1 hour

  • Milling and drilling axle plates = 1 hour

  • Cutting sleeves and spacers = ½ hour

  • Setting angles and building frame with seat = 3 hours

A photograph of a self propelled wheelchair with a simple back support which can also be used as a rollator.
Two images, the first showing potential components and the second a close up of part of the wheelchair.

The problem.

Fiiting the rear wheels to the frame. An axle plate was created to enable the quick release axle pins to safely lock the rear wheels into position. A series of spacers and aluminium tubes were secured to the frame enabling the wheels to be quickly and easily removed, as and when required.

Two images, the first showing potential components and the second a close up of part of the wheelchair.

The benefits of this design are;

  • that it is a multi-use device.

  • It is made from good quality 6063 grade aluminium.

  • There are no welded parts.

  • Easy and safe to use.

  • Lightweight

  • Compact build, which enables the device to fit into any vehicle.

  • Cheap to build and cheap to buy.

 

The wheelchair is being used on a daily basis as my main and everyday wheelchair/ rollator.

Image of the folded wheelchair.
Image of the wheelchair in a vehicle.

My Process

I needed a new type of wheelchair, one that would give me the freedom and the ability to just get out and about, to be seated and even to exercise by walking without be dependant on others. This is my solution.

About me

Now sadly at the end of my studies, my aim is to redesign my wheelchair to then have a choice of manual or electric motors. My goal during the studies were to succeed and to have fun doing so.

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