LIM4102 – Design of Mechanical System

Prof.: Melvyn Alvarez Vera

Project report

Design and analysis of Wheelchair lift.

Student information

ID: 171055
 Index Page
Section
Executive summary X

Abstract X

1. Introduction X

2. Identification of needs (survey for 2 draft designs) X

3. Problem definition (Quality Function Deployment QFD) X

a) Standards X

b) Constraints

c) Advantage/disadvantage chart or table X

d) Decision-making process (financial and Multi-Weighted X

criteria)

4. Synthesis X

Generation of multiple solutions (conceptual designs) X

5. Bill of Materials and Bill of costs X

6. Design of Mechanical Elements X

7. Finite Element Simulation Analysis X

8. Functionality Analysis (Cinematics) X

9. Patent X

10. Documentation and Project Support X

References X
Appendix X

(Sustainable-Development) X

(NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers) X

(Technical drawings) X
1. Introduction

A wheelchair is a chair with wheels designed to assist individuals who have difficulties

walking due to illnesses, injuries, disabilities, or age-related health conditions. Wheelchairs

typically consist of a seat supported on two large wheels at the back and two small swivel

wheels (casters) at the front. They can be manually powered, where the user or an assistant

propels the wheelchair, or electric-powered, propelled by a battery and electrical motor.

Despite their benefits, moving wheelchairs can be challenging. Here are some difficulties

faced by wheelchair users:

Navigating Uneven and Rough Terrain: Sloping ground and uneven surfaces can make

moving manual wheelchairs almost impossible.

Public Transit: Getting on and off a bus equipped with wheelchair equipment can be tedious

and time-consuming.

Muscle Cramps and Pressure Sores: Since wheelchair users have to sit for extended periods,

they can experience muscle cramps and pressure sores.

Visibility Issues: Since wheelchairs are below the normal line of vision, motorists and

pedestrians may not see the wheelchair user quickly enough to react, leading to accidents.

These challenges highlight the need for more accessible environments and better wheelchair

designs to improve the mobility and quality of life for wheelchair users.
Wheelchair lifts for vehicles are devices designed to assist individuals with mobility

challenges in transporting their wheelchairs or scooters into and out of their vehicles. These

lifts can be installed either inside the rear cargo area or mounted to the vehicle’s hitch.

There are three basic types of wheelchair lifts for vehicles:

Inside Lifts: These lifts are installed inside the vehicle and use a long arm mechanism to lift

the wheelchair or scooter and place it in the back of the car. They are advantageous as they

protect the wheelchair from bad weather and eliminate the need to lift the wheelchair into the

vehicle.

Outside Lifts: These lifts are platforms attached to the hitch of the vehicle. They can raise,

lower, and hold the mobility device while the vehicle is traveling. Some lifts even provide

easy access to the cargo area with a “Swing-Away”.

Hybrid Lifts: These lifts combine the features of inside and outside lifts.

Each type of lift has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on the specific

needs of the user, the type of vehicle, and the wheelchair or scooter being used. It’s important

to research and find a high-quality wheelchair lift that meets your specific needs before

purchasing one.

Covering a wheelchair lift is important for several reasons:

Protection from Weather: Wheelchair lifts, especially those installed outside the vehicle, are

exposed to the elements. A cover can protect the lift from rain, snow, and extreme

temperatures, which can cause rust and damage to the mechanical parts.
Prevent Theft or Vandalism: A cover can help deter theft or vandalism by hiding the lift from

view.

Aesthetics: A cover can help the lift blend in with the vehicle’s design, making it less

noticeable.

Insurance and Warranty: Some insurance companies or lift manufacturers may require a

cover as part of their warranty or insurance agreement.

However, it’s important to note that while a cover can provide some protection, regular

maintenance is still necessary to ensure the lift’s longevity and safe operation1. Always check

with your lift manufacturer or insurance provider for specific guidelines.

2. Identification of needs

Due to the data collected to prepare the introduction, we can realize that transporting a

wheelchair is not easy, since it is a very large device, which takes up a lot of space and is not

usually comfortable to put in our car or truck. Therefore, we found a need to cover and it was

decided to develop a wheelchair lift with a completely different design from those already

existing. This with the aim of improving the mobility and independence of people with

physical disabilities.

Based on the product information, the following parameters were chosen:

Tabla 1: Description of the concepts

Concept Descripcion

Product description Is a structured format of presenting information

about a product. It is a piece of writing that
conveys the features and benefits of a product,
ranging from basic facts to stories that make a
product compelling to an ideal buyer
Need covered by the product Refers to the specific requirement or necessity
that a product fulfills for its users. This need can
be physical, social, or individual, as defined by
the marketing concept of needs, wants, and
demands.
Product design Is a multidisciplinary field that involves the
conception, creation, and iteration of products.
It aims to solve users’ problems or address
specific needs in a given market.
Resistance of the material with which Also known as material resistance, refers to a
it is made material’s ability to inhibit the passage of
electric current.

Ease of use Is a fundamental concept in product design and

user experience that describes how easily users
can interact with a product, system, or interface.

Product durability Refers to the ability of a physical product to

remain functional, without requiring excessive
maintenance or repair, when faced with the
challenges of normal operation over its design
lifetime.

Product innovation Refers to the creation and development of new

or improved products, services, or processes by
a company or organization1. It involves
introducing novel ideas, technologies, features,
or designs that provide added value to customers
and differentiate the product from existing
offerings in the market.
Types of cars where it is placed It is the type of automobile in which the
wheelchair lift can be installed, including cars
and SUVs.
Product cost Refers to the costs incurred to create a product.
These costs include direct labor, direct
materials, consumable production supplies, and
factory overhead
Nice design Is a concept that encompasses aesthetics,

functionality, and user experience.

Tabla 2: Approach of proposals to each parameters

What Design 1 Design 2

Product description The product is a wheelchair The product is a wheelchair

lift for cars and vans. lift for cars and vans.
 Need covered by the For disabled people or For disabled people or
product family members of disabled family members of disabled
people, it is very difficult to people, it is very difficult to
maneuver wheelchairs since maneuver wheelchairs since
their size is very large and their size is very large and
difficult to fit inside a trunk, difficult to fit inside a trunk,
this would make moving this would make moving
them much easier. them much easier.
Product design It is made in such a way that It is made in such a way that
it can be placed in the upper it can be placed on the top of
part of the trunk, with a bar the trunk, with two bars on
in the middle so that on each each side and on one side
side there are two motors there is a mechanism that
which are connected to works with a lever so that
vertical tubes that function when you move it, the chair
as an elevator and with a can be raised so that it is
button it can be only pushed forward. inside
Automatically raise the seat, and the trunk can be closed
so that you only have to push without problem.
it into the trunk and it closes
without problem.

Resistance of the material It will be made of 4140 It will be made of SAE

with which it is made steel since it has good 1045 steel which provides a
resistance to torsion and medium level of mechanical
fatigue, as well as good resistance and toughness at
machinability and low a low cost compared to low
weldability. alloy steels.
Ease of use The use will be very easy, The use will not be so easy,
just press a button on the there will be a mechanism
side of the left engine to on the left side to raise the
raise the chair and when it chair, which consists of a
is up just push the chair lever that you have to move
inward to close the trunk. so that it rises little by little
and when it is up you just
push the chair inward to
close the trunk .
Product durability The product will be long The product will be of
lasting, since the steel with medium duration, since the
which it will be made has steel with which it will be
very good resistance. made has a normal
resistance.
 Product innovation The design will be The design will be
completely different from completely different from
those that already exist on those that already exist on
the market. the market.
Types of cars where it is The product is made so that The product is made so that
placed it can be used in all types of it can be used in all types of
cars and trucks, it will be cars and trucks, it will be
universal in use. universal in use.
Product cost It will have a high sales It will have a low selling
cost, because the material it cost, because the material it
is made of is expensive and is made of is accessible and
it will consist of two does not use any motor.
motors.
Nice design The design is made The design is made
specifically to fit perfectly specifically to fit perfectly
to your car and look as if it to your car and look as if it
were there from the factory. were there from the factory.

Graphic 1: Of the survey carried out to identify the best product

3. Problem definition

Getting a wheelchair into a car can present several challenges:

Size and Weight: Wheelchairs, especially powered ones, can be heavy and bulky. This makes

it difficult to lift them into the car, and they may not fit easily into the trunk or back seat.

Physical Strain: For caregivers or wheelchair users who have some mobility, the act of lifting

or disassembling a wheelchair can be physically demanding. It can lead to strain or injury

over time.

Time and Complexity: Disassembling and reassembling a wheelchair for transport can be

time-consuming. It can also be complex, with multiple parts that need to be handled correctly.

Accessibility: Not all cars are designed with accessibility in mind. The height of the car, the

width of the doors, and the space inside can all make it more difficult to get a wheelchair and

its user into and out of the vehicle.

Safety: There's also a risk of injury to the wheelchair user during the transfer process,

especially if it's not done correctly or if the person has other health conditions that could be

exacerbated by the physical movement.

These challenges can make it difficult for wheelchair users to travel freely and independently.
Benchmarking Analyzing the competition.

Competition in the car wheelchair lift market is considerable. There are several companies

that offer a variety of solutions to meet the needs of wheelchair users. Here I mention some:

MobilityWorks12: They offer a wide range of wheelchair and scooter lifts from trusted

brands like Bruno, which are designed to fit many of the best-selling cars, trucks and SUVs

on the road1. In addition to Bruno's warranty, they provide a 1-year labor warranty and 1

year of their ProtectionWorks roadside assistance service standard with all of their vehicle

lifts.
Mariani Lift System: Is a company specialized in the production of access and transportation

aids for people with disabilities. They have been in business for over thirty years and offer a

variety of products including:

Wheelchair Lifts: These lifts are designed to safely and efficiently lift and transport

wheelchairs.
Elevators for commercial use: These elevators are light and solid, capable of safely lifting up

to 500 kg.

These companies and others offer a variety of styles and prices for commercial and consumer

vehicles. Some lifts are for outdoor use and allow full load and seating space to be retained1.

Others are for indoor use and can be used with mini-vans, full-size vans, pickup trucks, and

fit various sizes of scooter and wheelchair.

It is important to remember that choosing the right wheelchair lift depends on several factors,

including the combined weight of the wheelchair user and their wheelchair/scooter, vehicle

type, weight requirements, style of life for travel and other considerations.

a) Standards

To ensure that a product is effective in all aspects of its creation, standards are applied that

supervise and validate that an object will function properly, will have the precise dimensions,

in addition to having attributes that will ensure its correct functioning and optimal

performance. These regulations also help us prevent common failures or implement certain
precautions against possible errors, guaranteeing outstanding performance and that this good

that is planned to be manufactured performs its task properly.

Standardization also allows us to take into account international standards that are applied in

various regions of the world, providing products to different markets, with the confidence

that they have what is necessary to act in the best possible way. Having the product regulated

also imposes on us the task of designing certain highly relevant aspects.

In this case, the product to be developed is a wheelchair lift for cars with the aim of making

disabled people more independent and able to have a better lifestyle, so that mobility is not

an impediment to doing something but to this requires standards that regulate its production.

The rules to be used are as follows:

Standard Description of the Limits

standard

ISO 8100-1:2019 This standard provides Although it is designed

safety rules for the primarily for building
construction and installation elevators, some of its safety
of passenger and freight principles could be applied
elevators. to wheelchair elevators.

ISO 7176-19 This International Standard Wheelchairs that meet this

applies to wheelchairs used standard have been tested to
as seats in motor vehicles. withstand crashes under
certain conditions

ISO 14971 This standard refers to the Since wheelchairs are

application of risk considered medical devices,
management to medical this standard could be
devices. relevant for wheelchair lifts.
ISO 7176-16:2013 This standard determines the It could be relevant to the
resistance to ignition of the safety aspects of wheelchair
devices tested and not the lifts.
ignitability of the complete
wheelchair.

ISO 8100-32:2020 This standard provides It could be relevant to the

guidelines for planning and planning and selection of
selection of passenger lifts wheelchair lifts.
to be installed in office,
hotel, and residential
buildings.

ISO/TC 173 This is a technical The working groups include

committee within ISO that WG1 Test Methods, WG6
has several working groups Wheelchair Restraint
dedicated to different Systems, WG10
aspects of wheelchair design Requirements and Test
and performance. Methods for Electro-
technical Systems for
Wheelchairs, and WG11
Wheelchair Seating.

ISO 10865-2 This standard addresses This standard is of utmost

wheelchair spaces in large importance for the
accessible transport vehicles development of the
(LATVs) for forward-facing wheelchair lift.
passengers and places great
emphasis on independent
use.
ISO 10542-1 This standard, similar to Wheelchair tiedown and
WC18, provides technical occupant-restraint systems –
systems and aids for Requirements and test
disabled or handicapped methods for all systems.
persons
 ISO 8100 This standard is for Lifts for Safety rules for the
the transport of persons and construction and installation
godos. of passenger and goods
passenger lifts and Pa
Design rules, calculations,
examinations and tests of lift
components.

ISO 9386-2:2000 This standard is for Power- Rules for safety, dimensions
operated lifting platforms and functional operation –
for persons with impaired Powered stairlifts for seated,
mobility. standing and wheelchair
users moving in an inclined
plane.

ISO 10865-1:2012 This standard is for Systems for rearward-facing

Wheelchair containment wheelchair-seated
and occupant retention passengers.
systems for accessible
transport vehicles designed
for use by both sitting and
standing passengers.

b) Constrains

Car wheelchair lifts are a great help for people with reduced mobility, but there are multiple

restrictions in this project, which are determined by the chosen standards and in relation to

what can be considered as a reference. There are standards that are fundamental elements in

the device, but these elements do not completely constitute the main purpose of the

conception of this concept, some are:

Constraint Description Comment

Space Wheelchair lifts require Car trunks do not have
sufficient vehicle space for similar measurements at all,
installation and operation. each one is a different size
This may limit the space and is used to store things, in
available for other this case the use of the trunk
passengers or cargo. would be limited.

Weight Lifts have a limit of weight The weight is taken like this,
they can safely lift. This since some people will raise
weight limit includes both it and get off it when the
the weight of the user and wheelchair is in the elevator
the wheelchair. position.

Vehicle Compatibility Not all vehicles can Whether the vehicle can be
accommodate a wheelchair used to adapt a lift depends
lift. Compatibility depends on many factors, but that is
on factors such as vehicle why our measurements are
size, door location, and universal.
vehicle load capacity.

Cost Wheelchair lifts can be The total cost will depend on

expensive. The cost may all the components used but
include not only the price of our goal is to make them
the lift itself, but also cheaper than the
installation and maintenance competition.
costs.

Maintenance Wheelchair lifts require The maintenance of the

regular maintenance to product will depend on the
ensure safe and efficient use that the person gives it,
operation. as well as its care, but it is
intended to be in a medium
time.
Rules and regulations Wheelchair lifts must The product will comply
comply with certain rules with all the rules and
and regulations, such as the regulations mentioned
ISO standards mentioned above so that it can be put on
above. These standards may the market without any
vary depending on the problem.
 country and the type of
elevator.

c) Advantage/disadvantage of the wheelchair lift for vehicles.

Advantage Disadvantage

Accessibility: Wheelchair lifts provide a Space: Wheelchair lifts, especially

means for wheelchair users to enter and platform lifts, can take up a significant
exit vehicles independently, improving amount of space in the vehicle.
their mobility.

Variety: There are various types of lifts Cost: Wheelchair lifts can be expensive,
available, including platform lifts and and there may also be additional costs for
hoist lifts, to suit different needs. installation and maintenance.

Safety: Wheelchair lifts are designed to Vehicle Compatibility: Not all vehicles
safely lift and lower wheelchairs, can accommodate a wheelchair lift, and
reducing the risk of injury. some may require modifications for the
lift to be installed.

Easy to use: They can be turned on and

off with a remote or a simple switch.

Heavy lifting capacity: They can

accommodate heavier power chairs and
scooters, making them suitable for users
with larger mobility devices.

Spacious platform: They generally

provide ample space for the user and their
mobility device.