School of Engineering

PRJ60203

Engineering Design & Ergonomics

Design Proposal of

Walkechair

Project Title: Walkechair

Project Supervisor: Dr. Veena A Doshi Arun Kumar Doshi

1. Phang Yi Khai EE 0318295

2. Christine Olga Boboi CE 0318551

3. Lee Sze Hui CE 0323253

4. Udyanee Jayaweera CE 0323143

5. Wei Sheng CE
Table of Content
Background and Objective ......................................................................................................... 3
Concept ...................................................................................................................................... 4
Budget Proposal ....................................................................................................................... 13
Linear Responsibility Chart ..................................................................................................... 13
Gantt Chart ............................................................................................................................... 15
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 16

Tables of Figure
Figure 1 Wheelchair ................................................................................................................... 4
Figure 2 Four-legged walker ...................................................................................................... 4
Figure 3 Diagram of the additional brakes ................................................................................ 5
Figure 4 Diagram of the uplift foldable seat .............................................................................. 6
Figure 5 Front view of the frame and S-shaped back supporter ................................................ 7
Figure 6 Diagram of hinges and threaded metal piece head to secure wheels into positions .... 8
Figure 7 Diagram of detachable handles ................................................................................... 8
Figure 8 Front view of Walkechair .......................................................................................... 11
Figure 9 Back view of Walkechair .......................................................................................... 11
Figure 10 Side view of Walkechair ......................................................................................... 12
Background and Objective
Given that the physical strength of the elderly gradually becomes weaker as they age.
Moving around despite at home or outdoors would be inconvenient as well as challenging for
them. This inconvenience has led to the elderly being neglected by the youth. However,
wheelchairs and four-legged walkers were designed to help the elderly move around more
conveniently. Although such helping tools have been introduced into this world, these tools
still pose inconvenience to the youth and dangers to the elder on top of that.

Wheelchairs are big bulky chairs with wheels. Wheelchairs nowadays are even able to
climb up and down the stairs as well as maneuvered using controls by the person sitting on it.
The typical manual wheelchair is not easy to be moved around with while the automated
wheelchair is too bulky and expensive. On the other hand, the four-legged walker has evolved
from being a four-legged crutches to four-legged wheels walker with chair and etc. This new
design of the walker can pose danger to the elderly for having four wheels as the support of
the walker increases the chances of the walker slipping causing the elderly to lose their
support and fall. Furthermore, the chair installed on the walker is not ergonomic for the
elderly for it has no backrest for the elderly and it increases the stress to the elderly's knees
when standing up after seating on the chair.

Our team took in the few inconveniences and dangers of both the wheelchair and the
walker into consideration when brainstorming our product, the Walkechair. The objective of
our group is S.M.A.R.T, it is building a light weight as well as safe (Attainable) and low-
cost (Realistic) walker (Specific) that can support at least 500 Newton of force applied from
the top (Measureable) within 12 weeks (Timely). This product, focuses on both the elderly
and the youth. The design will serve the purpose of easing the movements of the elderly
while keeping them safe from slipping or falling. Nevertheless, this design also has the aim to
make it easier for the youth to move the elderly around when sited on it so that the stress on
the human wrist is minimum.

The most difficult part in this project is the keeping product light weighted at the
same time safe and stable. Ergonomics is being studied very thoroughly to make sure the end
product is ergonomic and not the opposite which is adding the stress the user.
Concept
In general, Walkechair is a product which operates based on the merging concepts of
a wheelchair and a 4-legged walker. These two products were originally bulky, hard to
maneuver, and it is not an elderly friendly product based on Figure 1. The main purpose of
the Walkechair is to be a multifunction helping tool to improve the mobility of the elderly.
This is because, instead of viewing disability as a problem with the individual, disability may
be conceptualized as a mismatch between the person and the environment.

Figure 1 Wheelchair

Figure 2 Four-legged walker

 There will be three concepts acting as a reference when we start to design our
Walkechair. The basic features were classified into pressure wheels with a standardized
breaking mechanism with low rolling resistance, an uplift foldable seat and also a built in
reversible handle to allow caregivers to ease the movements of the elderly after a long and
tiring walk. Our team’s preliminary design will be based on merging all three features into a
safe and convenient mechanism.

Evidently, Walkechair fulfills the physical and cognitive principles of ergonomic.

First of all, it presents clear images and keeps everything in easy reach. For example, the
additional brakes are designed and modified to fit in the grip handles as shown in Figure 2 to
provide an instantaneous stop for the elderly if they have encounter any obstacles or
emergencies. Consequently, the materials used to build the mechanism is lightweight in order
to reduce shoulder or wrist injuries for the elderly, easier transportation and also decreased in
terms of energy cost.

Figure 3 Diagram of the additional brakes

 Next, the mechanism also comes together with an uplift seat which are made up of
hydro-pneumatic lifting mechanism, refer to Figure 3, and also an S-backboned back
supporter seating. This feature allows the elderly to have a change of posture when they feel
tired after a long walk. Furthermore, this design also reduce excessive repetition. Foams and
perforated metal sheets will be used to make the frame of the uplift seat in order to minimize
the contact stress of the elderly towards the seat. However, the dimensions of the Walkechair
is also a further point to be taken into consideration. It will be designed optimally to provide a
convenient and safe access of mobility to the elderly in terms of indoor and outdoor activities.

Figure 4 Diagram of the uplift foldable seat

The frame of the Walkechair will be constructed by welding metal rods together.
Consequently, a hinge will be welded onto the horizontal bars of the frame in order to install
and attach the foldable chair to this mechanism. Similarly, the S-shaped backbone supporter
will be installed by using the horizontal bars of the frame as a connector as shown in Figure 4.
 Figure 5 Front view of the frame and S-shaped back supporter
Subsequently, the braking system will be imposed in the hand grips of the Walkechair.
We will then have connectors to connect the system to the wheels located at the bottom of the
frame. The wheels will be locked into place by using hinges and threaded metal head piece.
Refer to Figure 5. Lastly, the reversible handles will be fixed at the front of the frame with
ring columns to hold it into place.
 Figure 6 Diagram of hinges and threaded metal piece head to secure wheels into
positions
Lastly, the reversible handles will be fixed at the front of the frame with ring columns
to hold it into place as shown in Figure 6.

Figure 7 Diagram of detachable handles

Methodology
Our team has prepared a list of materials that will be used to build our product, the
Walkechair.

1. Four-legged crutches
Mostly elderly are not able to walk properly because they do not have the right
support. We picked a four-legged crutches because this item will act as a great
support system for the elderly. For example, the crutches is able to provide stability
for the elderly while they are walking.

2. Mesh lower back

This material is used to provide a support system for the elderly’s backbone as they sit
on the chair. By using the mesh lower back, we are applying one of the physical
principles of ergonomics on our product which is work in a good posture. Example,
when the elderly is eating or reading, he or she is actually sitting in a good posture
which is the S-shaped posture. This will also help the elderly to have a lower chance
to face a back bone problem.

3. Perforated metal sheets

This metal sheets act as a body support when the elderly sitting on it. This will be a
platform where the elderly can sit. It will be able to support elderly that have lighter
weight and even for those who are heavy. We picked perforated metal sheets because
it is not easy to dent and bend. [2]

4. Rubber brakes
Our team will be installing rubber brakes in this product as this brakes can reduce the
percentage of the elderly fall from the walker. This brakes will be installed at the back
wheels of the product. Example, when the walker moves a bit too fast for the elderly,
the elderly will tend to fall forward. This rubber brakes will be pressed by the elderly
unintentionally and the brakes will cause the walker to stop moving instantly. [1] This
satisfy one of the cognitive principle of ergonomics which is provide instantaneous
feedback.

5. Rubber wheels
Rubber wheels will be installed on our product to make sure it is easy for the elderly
to walk with less force required to push the walker. Since less force is needed to push
the walker, we are applying one of the physical principle of the ergonomics, reduce
excessive force. Besides that, we will also able to lower down the risk of the elderly
falling down by using this rubber wheels. The rubber surface of the wheel will have a
great grip on the floor surface. This will help the elderly to walk safely especially on
slippery floor.
6. Hollow metal rods
This hollow metal rods are used to make sure the product is not bulky and heavy for
the elderly. This metal rods are easy to lift and light.

7. Hinge
The function of hinge on this product is to make sure the chair to be able to flip up
and down.

8. Foam
Foam is installed on the perforated metal sheets. This can actually minimise the
contact stress on the elderly when they sit. This foam is to provide a comfortable
sitting place for the elderly.

9. Shock absorber system

This system will be installed inside the chair. Most elderly have problems to stand up
after sitting for so long. This shock absorber system will help the elderly to push them
up slowly and steadily. Example, as the elderly is try to stand up, the chair will slowly
move up too and act as a guidance for the elderly to stand up.

By using all of this materials, we are confident that our product will be desirable as so
far there is not yet a walker can be able to switch into a wheel chair at the same time.
It is also technologically feasible as we are positively think that we are able to get it
done on time. It is also economically viable since we can get all of the materials in
any hardware shop. It is also environmentally sustainable as this product will be able
to last longer since we are using all of the materials that are not easily damage.
Figure 8 Front view of Walkechair

Figure 9 Back view of Walkechair

Figure 10 Side view of Walkechair
 Budget Proposal
Table 1 Estimated Budget Needed for Design
Price per Actual Expenditure
Materials Unit / Dimension Unit (RM) Quantity Supplier (RM)
Four-legged walker 1 100.0 1 Taylor's University 0.0
Mesh lower back Health and Care
support 1 15.0 1 Shop 15.0
Perforated metal
sheets 700mm x 500 mm 30.0 1 Hardware Shop 30.0
Bicycle brake kit 1 70.0 1 Bicycle Shop 70.0
Rubber wheels 40mm x 15mm 20.0 4 Hardware Shop 80.0
Heavy duty
compression spring 22mm x 76mm 100.0 1 Taylor's University 0.0
Hollow metal rods 19mm x 2500mm 60.0 1 Taylor's University 0.0
TOTAL 195.0

Linear Responsibility Chart

No. Task Yi Khai Christine Sze Hui Wei Sheng Udyanee
1 Assigning project leader X X X X X
2 Performing research on the X X X X X
physically challenged
3 Performing research on the X X X X X
product
4 Brainstorming ideas for the X X X X X
product choice
5 Brainstorming ideas for the X X X X X
design of the product
6 Making work breakdown X
structure
7 Proposing budget X
8 Making Gantt Chart X
9 Writing the proposal X X X X X
10 Performing a sketch of the X
product design
11 Buying materials X X X X X
12 Building the structure X
13 Building the brakes and X X
wheels
14 Building the backrest X
15 Building the seat X
16 Perform tests on the product X X X X X
17 Modification X X X X X
18 Presentation X
19 Aesthetics X X
20 Final tests X X X X X
21 Engineering Fair X X X X X
Gantt Chart
Task
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
1.0 INITIATION
1.1 Ice breaking session between members
1.2 Introduction to the project
1.3 Research on the project
2.0 PROJECT PLANNING
2.2 Brainstorming for design ideas
2.2 Estimation of budget and materials
2.3 Preparation of project proposal
3.0 PROJECT PRESENTATION
3.1 Preparation of slides
3.2 Presentation
4.0 PURCHASE OF MATERIALS
4.1 Purchase of materials needed for the
project
4.2 Four legged walker
4.3 Mesh lower back support
4.4 Perforated metal sheets
4.5 Rubber brakes
4.6 Rubber wheels
4.7 Springs
4.8 Hollow metal rods
5.0 PRODUCT MANUFACTURING
5.1 Set up the structure of the walker
5.2 Add and configure the wheels and
brakes
5.3 Set up the backrest
5.4 Set up the seat
5.5 Join all parts together
6.0 PRODUCT TESTING
6.1 Different force applied to test the
strength of the brakes
6.2 Test the foldability of the seat
6.3 Various weights used to test the
durability of the seat and the whole walker
7.0 FINETUNING / MODIFICATIONS
7.1 Reconstruction and fine-tuning of the
product.
7.2 Testing and Rectifying
8.0 ARTEFACT PRESENTATION
9.0 AESTHETIC IMPROVEMENTS
10.0 ENGINEERING FAIR
 Highlights = Key milestones
Conclusion
The idea presented by our group is the Walkechair, which is built by merging the
operations of a wheelchair and a 4-legged walker. A wheelchair requires the person using to
continuously move the wheels with their hands which is quite troublesome for the elderly
while the 4-legged walker requires physical strength to manoeuvre and can be unsafe. As
presented above the purpose of the walkechair is to improve mobility of elderly while their
safety is a priority.

The addition of a break system to fit in the grip handles act as an instantaneous stop in
case of an emergency. The break is activated by the tightening of the grip on the handles
preventing any accidents from happening. An uplifting seat functioned by hydro-pneumatic
lifting mechanism assists the elderly in getting up from the seat. It is also equipped with a S-
shaped back support which allows the user to lean back and be comfortable when the seating
position is changed. Lastly, built in reversible handles which allow caregivers to ease the
movements of the elderly when they are tired and is unable to do so. These mechanisms are
what differentiates walkechair from the day-today wheelchair and 4-legged walker.

The walkechair fulfils both the physical and cognitive properties of Ergonomics as
well as the conceive check list. This project is desirable, technologically feasible,
economically viable, legal and ethical and environmentally sustainable.

Therefore, it can be concluded that a walkechair is safer and is easily manoeuvrable

compared to a wheelchair and a 4-legged walker making it favourable towards the elderly.