WHEELCHAIR TRANSFER
About The Project
Working in collaboration with the team at the Assistive Technology Department at the Health Sciences Centre, BMED designed a device for individuals with Muscular Dystrophy. Muscular Dystrophy is a group of muscle diseases that lead to weakening and breakdown of skeletal muscles over time, resulting in impaired mobility and progressive weakness. With the harsh winter temperatures, especially in Manitoba, patients may experience worsening symptoms of muscle weakness and trouble sensing when temperatures are too extreme. The BMED Team was tasked with creating a device that maintains a temperature to allow for safe use of a wheelchair in extremely cold temperatures. The team designed a custom hand-warmer device which automatically regulates the temperature inside the warmer based on the outside temperature using temperature sensors. If the outside temperature is below the set minimum temperature the device will turn on, allowing voltage to pass through to the fan and heater. The constantly automatically fluctuating heat will prevent the client from becoming too cold or overheating.
The client, a full-time power wheelchair user, lost strength in her right leg and used a belt strap and their upper body strength to lift their leg onto the foot rest of their wheelchair. The client is seeking a different way of transferring their leg, however, as this method caused a rotator cuff injury. A safe and consistent means of transferring their leg is required to improve their independence, including bed transfers, washroom use, and transit use.
The team discussed with the occupational therapist to assess the client's needs. The client and therapist also provided feedback throughout the process, evaluating the personal and environmental factors shaping the transfer process. A faculty advisor provided advice, lab access, and machine assistance so that the team can develop a prototype rather than an outside source for manufactoring.
The final design is an automated assistive footplate assembly that raises and lowers the client’s wheelchair footplate to floor level, greatly reducing the need for the client to lift her foot against gravity to complete the transfer. Force analysis was used on SolidWorks plate design to ensure a sturdy aluminum plate would be developed. The device was designed to operate using the existing battery supply on the wheelchair or its own battery supply.
It contains a linear actuator, a control model that raises and lowers the footplate and is operated with a simple up/down button. The actuator allows for the footplate to be set to a specific angle and for attachment to the original wheelchair’s footplate hanger, which preserves swiveling and easy removal of the foot plate hanger and plate when necessary. The prototype was tested by the client to ensure it functioned properly, and was pleased with its usefulness and functionality. The next steps for this project include redesigning some aspects of the device to ensure all design requirements are met before the project is completed.
CMSC DESIGN FOR REHABILITATION COMPETITION
The team competed in the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers Design for Rehabilitation Competition in Seattle, Washington in May 2019. The team took home 1st place in the competition and received a standing ovation. This marks the first time the University of Manitoba entering a Biomedical Engineering Design competition as well as winning one.
Members of the team competed in the Western Engineering Competition’s Innovative Design category in January 2020, placing first place. They moved onto the Canadian Engineering Competition in March 2020 and placed second place against teams on a national scale.
Jessie Robertson, Mikaela Morelli, Robyn Birch, Josee Rosset
Jessie Robertson, Josee Rosset, and Robyn Birch presenting the wheelchair transfer design on a motorized wheelchair.