Overview
Class: Mobility Design | Industrial Design
Problem: Current wheelchairs are created and meant to be an aid for patients. For long term recover patients with back issues wheelchairs are not only cumbersome but don't help in addressing patient issues.
Solution: This wheelchair aims to help in the long term recovery process for patients with minor to severe back and spinal issues. By utilising the bodies natural tensegrity structure. The chair takes a more holistic approach by yielding certain muscular principles to help with spinal and muscular realignment.
Inspiration | Human tensegrity structure
The human body functions as a tensegrity structure, where bones act as compression elements and connective tissues like muscles, tendons, and fascia act as tension elements. This interconnected network allows for efficient distribution of forces, leading to stability, flexibility, and adaptability. Tensegrity explains how the body can maintain its shape and support weight while remaining dynamic and resilient.
The chair's innovative design, rooted in tensegrity principles, encourages gradual spinal and hip realignment. By subtly adjusting the chair's position, the patient's muscles are activated, promoting natural movement and posture correction. This precise adjustability caters to a wide range of needs, enabling both significant and subtle changes. As the patient's body adapts, the chair can be further fine-tuned to maintain optimal alignment. This approach empowers the patient to actively participate in their recovery, reducing reliance on external support and accelerating the healing process.