ShiftMobil
Manual Propelled Wheelchair
Traditional wheelchair are inefficient. The user pushes on average 32-40% of their weight, which results in 2-10% efficiency with the energy conversion between arms and wheel. Arms are also not designed to push, which wears out the shoulder muscle overtime and over half of the wheelchair users develop osteoarthritis.
SHIFT is a lightweight wheelchair that uses a bike rolling chain to propel forward. The small disk motion allows a more ergonomic and continuous propulsion. Making task like going up a ramp normally impossible, possible.
By using gear-shifting mechanism, the wheelchair improved efficiency up to 80% and reduce energy output from the user by 50%. This significantly reduces stress on their shoulder and prevent them from developing osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
We like to emphasize that we like to design "WITH" with our community partners and not design "FOR" them.
Designer - Wen KunYuan
Patent Pending: August 13th, 2019. All Copyright Reserved © Wen KunYuan
SPONSORS AND FUNDING
Thanks to our main sponsor for the SHIFT Mobility Design. Currently this project is funded by Carle, Philips and the University of Illinois. We are currently producing prototype and under performance review. Check us out soon again!
Dr. Deane McDonagh, Dr. Elizabeth T. Hsiao Wecksler, Wen KunYuan, Anna Chi, Jess Hung
Finalist Design in Carle Health-Make-A-Thon 2020 Design Award. $10,000 Sponsor (Pending).
Philips Innovation Award Finalist Design 2019 in Philips. $25,000 Sponsor.
Generation 1 Prototype - June 2019
Generation 2 Prototype - March 2020
