eLearning Lesson 2 Part 2 by Roy Chua (09)

My problem situation is that it can be hard to unfold a foldable wheelchair, especially if the wheelchair might be used and rusty. My solution to the problem is a mechanism that utilises linkages and return springs to work. As seen in the second picture, the mechanism first starts with an extendable grip. Attached to the extendable grip is a set of linkages to an extendable rod. Attached to the rod is a return spring, to allow the extendable rod to return to its original position after use. Attached to each end of the rod are two softer surfaces to prevent wear and tear to the mechanism and the wheelchair. The mechanism works by first setting the mechanism between the wheelchair's folded seat. Afterwards we would have to push the grip downwards, moving the linkage. This would extend both the extendable grip and extendable rod. The rod, while being extended, would serve its purpose, to help unfold the foldable wheelchair. After use, the user can release the force applied to the grip, and the return spring would retract the rod, moving the linkage and also retracting the grip.