Mobility Device for Rural India
In collaboration with Aishwarya Iyengar and Namita Baindoor
In collaboration with Aishwarya Iyengar and Namita Baindoor
The brief for this project was to device a mobilty device that can cater to a wide range of audience (physical consideration) keeping in mind the rural terrain
Research based considerations for the design were aspects like rough terrain, slopes, speed control, maneuverability, temporary illness, anamoly, fractures, oldage, pregnancy and very important for rural scenario - easy manufacturability as well as maintenance.
Concept development started with with a little whacky ideas to the final concept - simple, workable and easily manufacturable.
Research based considerations for the design were aspects like rough terrain, slopes, speed control, maneuverability, temporary illness, anamoly, fractures, oldage, pregnancy and very important for rural scenario - easy manufacturability as well as maintenance.
Concept development started with with a little whacky ideas to the final concept - simple, workable and easily manufacturable.
A device that encloses the user.
The device is like a skeletal sphere and rotates forward when the whole device is rotated but the seat remains in place.
The device is like a skeletal sphere and rotates forward when the whole device is rotated but the seat remains in place.
Inspired from a ball barrow, this concept provides movement by giving momentum to the ball at the bottom of the seat which is rotated by a cycle chain mechanism. Its can be controlled by the break provided.
Extention of the ball barrow concept, this one has a cylinder at the bottom for movement giving more balance to the device
Applying Principle of a Hovercraft that can uplift the device to a certain degree off the ground so that it can be displaced
Our final concept is inspired from a simple skateboard. Our major constaraint for the concept was the manufacturability of this product in a rural area.
This design basically requires a plank of wood and three wheels taken from an old tricycle.
The rear wheels have a rim around which does not come in contact with the ground and enables the user to
push the plank forward.
The central wheel in front of the user is meant for directing the plank or turning the plank as per requirement
with the help of a steering.
The user has control over speed as the input is purely by the user.
As it is at close proximity to the ground, there are lesser chances of the user losing balance and falling down.
This design basically requires a plank of wood and three wheels taken from an old tricycle.
The rear wheels have a rim around which does not come in contact with the ground and enables the user to
push the plank forward.
The central wheel in front of the user is meant for directing the plank or turning the plank as per requirement
with the help of a steering.
The user has control over speed as the input is purely by the user.
As it is at close proximity to the ground, there are lesser chances of the user losing balance and falling down.
Orthographic views
Simplicity of manufacturabilty and useability is what makes this design universal
