Adaptation of a Van with a Device to Lift a Non-foldable Wheelchair

1. Adaptation of a Van with a Device to Lift a Non-foldable Wheelchair Group Eight Members: Bill Fotoples- Team Leader Chad Wainscott- Technical Liaison/Web Page Specialist Ryan Keeler- Purchasing Agent Faculty Advisors- Dr. Hefzy & Dr. Pourazady Client- Ms. Jill Caruso

2. Introduction • The client, Ms. Jill Caruso, currently uses a collapsible wheelchair. She plans to convert to a “rigid” chair in the near future for improved comfort and durability. She is able to get into the drivers seat from the wheelchair and seeks a device which will then take the empty chair and place it into the back of the van through the drivers side rear sliding door. Bill Fotoples

3. Problem Statement • Sliding door opening is roughly 28” wide • Wheelchair is roughly 35”x 26” (footprint) • Chair is initially parallel to the van but must be rotated perpendicular to fit through the door • With less than 1 inch of clearance on both sides of the chair, the device must be very consistent and accurate Bill Fotoples

4. Client Preferences • No traditional platform lifts • Keep it simple - Client is willing and able to “help” the chair into the van however possible • Do not decrease resale value of the vehicle by making too many permanent changes • Would like to be able to easily transplant the device to a new van in the future Bill Fotoples

5. Design #1 • Platform lift design • Wheelchair would need to rotate 90° while on the platform • Controlled remotely from the front seat Ryan Keeler

6. Simple to use for operator Minimal effort required Potential for wheelchair to fall off Device requires an inordinate amount of space Difficult to install in another vehicle Design #1 Pros Cons Ryan Keeler

7. Design #2 • Side bar lift design • Bar hinges to rotate chair • Attaches to arm or wheel to lift Ryan Keeler

8. Less invasive than full platform lift Relative ease of use Limits front seat mobility Exerts large amount of strain on wheel spokes and arm bars. Difficult to re-install in new vehicle Design #2 Pros Cons Ryan Keeler

9. Design #3 • Under-seat lift design • Flat bar under wheelchair seat lifts chair into vehicle • Front and rear bars keep wheelchair in place on bar Chad Wainscott

10. Easy to use for operator Least intrusive of all lift designs Easiest lift design to remove and put in another van Chance of chair moving sideways on bar Difficult to load chair properly on lift Design does not allow necessary preciseness required for placement in van Design #3 Pros Cons Chad Wainscott

11. Design #4 • Winch Assisted Lift • Pulls wheelchair into van using electric winch • Chair rolls into place along guided tracks Chad Wainscott

12. Easy to remove and place in new vehicle Minimal space required Guided tracks allow for repeated and precise chair placement in allowed space Requires most setup by operator Difficult attachment process Design #4 Pros Cons Chad Wainscott

13. House of Quality Bill Fotoples

14. Best Option… Design #4 • Best design to use with minimal space allowed • Easily placed in new vehicle because of plywood base • Tracks allow process and placement to be extremely accurate and repeatable Bill Fotoples

15. Timetable Chad Wainscott

16. Budget Ryan Keeler

17. QUESTIONS?