Modular Wheelchairs

[mgwmgw]

A wheeler from the UK is getting a business degree in California, USA, and is trying to promote the idea of modular customizable wheelchairs, with the idea that different people need different configurations of chairs. I suspect most of us agree that far.

Changing perceptions of wheelchairs and wheelchair users. How can a wheelchair be an extension of the body, an item of fashion, or wearable technology? How can wheelchairs be desirable, aspirational lifestyle products?
...
Designing a modular wheelchair. How can we develop a modular system of interchangeable customizable wheelchair parts that will give users maximum choice and control over their wheelchair? How can a modular system enable users to tailor their wheelchair to their body, lifestyle and environment?

She currently appears to be assuming manual chairs. Anyone think she can be persuaded to look at power chairs instead? Maybe some of us could express opinions on her blog?

https://www.disruptdisability.org/blog

[Burgerman]

Changing perceptions of wheelchairs and wheelchair users. How can a wheelchair be an extension of the body, an item of fashion, or wearable technology? How can wheelchairs be desirable, aspirational lifestyle products?

By building true wheelchair or powechairs that are custom designed to suit an individual. The exact opposite to modular, which they basically are already. Which is whats wrong with them.

Designing a modular wheelchair. How can we develop a modular system of interchangeable customizable wheelchair parts that will give users maximum choice and control over their wheelchair? How can a modular system enable users to tailor their wheelchair to their body, lifestyle and environment?

It cant. Modular means a one size fits all non specific bunch of boxes or parts that are designed to allow easy customization. For E.G. we already have powerchairs that can be configured with different casters, suspension or seating parts in a multitude of ways. Its great for a manufacturer. They can stock a fewer number of parts and make 150 different powerchair variations inc seating and footrest/motor/controller/speeds/wheel sizes/human sizes front/mid/rear drive all from one chair. Non of which were properly designed to work for the individual from the beginning and so are a mass of compromises.

Modular is good for a manufacturer. Bad for the user.

[terry2]

Really looking forwarded to having a play with the STL files.
It will be easy to resize any part of the 3D STL file.

My 3D printer is going to get busy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYAwhaa ... e=youtu.be

[Scooterman]

Changing perceptions of wheelchairs and wheelchair users. How can a wheelchair be an extension of the body, an item of fashion, or wearable technology? How can wheelchairs be desirable, aspirational lifestyle products?

By building true wheelchair or powechairs that are custom designed to suit an individual. The exact opposite to modular, which they basically are already. Which is whats wrong with them.

Designing a modular wheelchair. How can we develop a modular system of interchangeable customizable wheelchair parts that will give users maximum choice and control over their wheelchair? How can a modular system enable users to tailor their wheelchair to their body, lifestyle and environment?

It cant. Modular means a one size fits all non specific bunch of boxes or parts that are designed to allow easy customization. For E.G. we already have powerchairs that can be configured with different casters, suspension or seating parts in a multitude of ways. Its great for a manufacturer. They can stock a fewer number of parts and make 150 different powerchair variations inc seating and footrest/motor/controller/speeds/wheel sizes/human sizes front/mid/rear drive all from one chair. Non of which were properly designed to work for the individual from the beginning and so are a mass of compromises.

Modular is good for a manufacturer. Bad for the user.

Still beavering away on my chair, but not there yet...