- According to a research article in 2003, Demographics of Wheeled Mobility Device Users, only 17 percent of wheeled mobility device users actually use electric chairs or scooters with the vast majority using manual chairs.
- The website KDSmartchair.com indicates the expected market of manual wheelchairs and powered wheelchairs in 2018 as shown in the figure below.
Based on KDSmartchair website, we investigated the average value of manual ($500) and powered wheelchairs ($1400). Based on the average cost, it shows that 32.45% of individuals use powered wheelchairs and 67.55% use manual wheelchairs.
The figure above shows the mathematics for the percentage of powered wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs.
- Those who use powered wheelchairs tend to be individuals with spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, and elderly patients
Brainstorming Concepts for the Prevention of Pressure Ulcers
The figure above shows the team brainstorming important concepts to promote blood circulation for long-term wheelchair users.
The figure above shows the brainstorming concepts to reduce tissue pressure for long-term wheelchair users
The figure above shows the brainstorming concepts to promote skin integrity for long-term wheelchair users
9 Concepts Selection from Brainstorming
Reduce Pressure
- Compression Cushion Material
- Air (Powered) Fluidized Material
- Additional Horizontal Support
- Periodic Motion Support
- Stagnant Limb Compression
- Visual Sensor Feedback
Promote Skin Integrity
- Regulate Temperature
- Breathable Materials
- Sanitary Environment
The figure above shows the pros and cons of our nine concepts to determine which concept is best suitable for our goal.
The table above shows our top criteria that determine which concept will help to lead us to the best design.
Based on the table, it shows that the compressible cushion material would be of utmost priority when compared to the rest of the concepts due it being energy efficient, mobile (not too bulky or heavy), and durable. Breathable and compressible materials scored the same amount of points, however, our team decided that a design focused on a compressible material would better suit our engineering background and skills.
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