Structural analysis of three-dimensional finite element model to design multifunction wheelchair for patients

Abstract

The disabled and patients, especially hemiplegia and paraplegia cases and elder need to use a wheelchair for movement and admitted to the hospital or stay at home. The problem of using wheelchairs for patients and the elder is due to their different shapes. There is only a standard type of wheelchair in a hospital, therefore could not respond to differences in shape and usability. The ability of a wheelchair that does not provide enough facilities will result in the service as being ineffective in achieving and will make patients feel uncomfortable. The basis of the strength analysis, as well as stress distribution of the device structure design, is still minimal due to computer program limitations. A comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of strength analysis will support the recommendation to design of wheelchair to handle patient for appropriate use in each situation. This research aim provides strength analysis to design the multifunction wheelchair. The multifunction wheelchair is designed to be turned into a bed, height-adjustable to use in a situation where a standard wheelchair could not be achieved due to the height is not enough and arm rest’s width adjustable for the convenience of patients with different body shapes. The detail regarding concept design and strength analysis of main components are solved by the finite element method (FEM) with a three-dimensional model. The results obtained from the simulation solution are examined and compared with the analytical solution. It is found that the highest maximum stress value does not exceed the yield strength of the material. The obtained results can be helpful in determining the basis for the guideline of wheelchair design and develop medical instruments situation by using principles of engineering.