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

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

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

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

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

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)

QFD:

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

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

Telescoping Wheelchair Ramp Spring Loaded Snap System: Side View

Telescoping Wheelchair Ramp Spring Loaded Snap System: Top View

Telescoping Wheelchair Ramp Pulley System: Side View

Telescoping Wheelchair Ramp Pulley System: Top View

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

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

Telescoping Wheelchair Ramp Time Allotment of Tasks:

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

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.

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