1. Telescoping Wheelchair Ramp
Department of Mechanical Engineering Villanova University
Telescoping Wheelchair Ramp
Frank Genova – Team Leader
Daniel Peters
Anthony Rossi
Dean Perdikakis

2. Telescoping Wheelchair Ramp Introduction:
Difficulties in today’s society for handicapped individuals.
Ramps on the market not efficient in many cases.
Maneuver, Ease of Use, Weight Reduction

3. Telescoping Wheelchair Ramp Background state of the art:
Research, 2-3 step vertical rise (24”).
ADA requirements:
Power Wheelchair
ADA adjustments

4. Telescoping Wheelchair Ramp Background state of the art:
Separate Runners
Weight Reduction (PRO)
-Aluminum Design
Set-up, Maneuverability, Transportation (CON)

5. Telescoping Wheelchair Ramp Background state of the art:
Roll up Ramp
Weight Reduction (PRO)
-Aluminum Design.
Wide 30” Surface (PRO)
Structural Integrity (CON)
-Max 5’ Length

6. Telescoping Wheelchair Ramp Background state of the art:
Full Width Ramp
Only Van Design Exists
Extends up to 8’ (PRO)
30” driving surface (PRO)
Ramp weighs 65 lbs (CON)
Cumbersome telescoping system (CON)

7. QFD:

8. Telescoping Wheelchair Ramp Product Design Specification:
Product Title
Purpose
New or Special Features
Competition
Intended Market
Need for Product
Relationship to existing products line
Market Demand
Price
Functional Performance
Physical Requirements
Service Environment
Life-cycle Issues
Human Factors
Corporate Constraints
Legal Requirements

9. Telescoping Wheelchair Ramp Preliminary Designs:
Telescoping Mechanism
Ease of use and maneuverability
Two ideas proposed
Spring Loaded Snap System
Pulley System

10. Telescoping Wheelchair Ramp Spring Loaded Snap System:
Side View

11. Telescoping Wheelchair Ramp Spring Loaded Snap System:
Top View

12. Telescoping Wheelchair Ramp Pulley System:
Side View

13. Telescoping Wheelchair Ramp Pulley System:
Top View

14. Telescoping Wheelchair Ramp Composites:
Composite design
Information received through Dr. Brian Sullivan, specializing in composites.
Model as simply supported (max. deflection in center, max. moments at fixed ends).
Transverse, uniaxial loading
Carbon fiber reinforced epoxy (E = 3.4E+6).
0/45/90/-45 Layup
Layup

15. Telescoping Wheelchair Ramp Statement of Work and Design:
Spring Loaded Pin System chosen
Interlocking aluminum guide rails on one side
Ramp adjustable to any length
360° wheels on underside for ease of opening
Composite Panels
Rubber non-slip surface
Rubber Ends

16. Telescoping Wheelchair Ramp Time Allotment of Tasks:

17. Telescoping Wheelchair Ramp Gantt Chart:
Tasks
Wk 1
Wk 2
Wk 3
Wk 4
Wk 5
Wk 6
Wk 7
Wk 8
Wk 9
Wk 10
Wk 11
Wk 12
Find / design individual parts for design
Calculate stress on pins by hand
Calculate stress on aluminum runners by hand.
Calculate stress on aluminum guides by hand.
Calculate stresses in composite
Calculate stress on underside supports by hand.
Model aluminum runners in AutoCAD / Solid Works.
Model aluminum guides in AutoCAD / Solid Works.
Model snap pin system in AutoCAD / Solid Works.
Model composite panel in AutoCAD / Solid Works.
Model underside supports in AutoCAD / Solid Works.
Build physical model of design.
Test device for working ability and safety.
Adjust and recalculate for final design.
Write mid semester progress report
Write final report
Prepare for oral presentation

18. Telescoping Wheelchair Ramp Cost Analysis:
Item
Approximate Cost
Composite Panels – Three 35” x 30” panels (carbon fiber reinforced epoxy)
$150/each
Spring Loaded System – Two pins in the middle panel of the ramp
$50
Rubber non-slip surface – (Soft Tread) Should cover the length of the ramp plus ends
$60
Interlocking Aluminum Rails – Covering both sides of ramp.
Other Costs: fasteners, tools, etc.
TOTAL COST
$670
*costs based on an individual production basis. If large production of these ramps occurs, prices will dramatically decrease.

19. Telescoping Wheelchair Ramp Conclusion:
Overall design is feasible
Composites complicated and detailed
Panel construction and “prepreg” construction
Company location