SP.784 Wheelchair Design in Developing Countries
Wheelchair Design in Developing Countries focuses on improving wheelchair technology in developing countries by applying sound engineering practices to create appropriate devices. Lectures focus on wheelchair usage, social stigmas, and manufacturing constraints. Includes lectures by third-world community partners, US wheelchair organizations, and MIT faculty. Multidisciplinary student teams conduct semester-long wheelchair projects relating to hardware design, manufacturing optimization, biomechanics modeling, and business plan development. Funded opportunities are available for travel to implement class projects at wheelchair workshops in the field.
Course Information
| Instructors: | Amos Winter |
| Semester Offered: | Spring (offered since Spring 2007) |
| Lecture Location: | 1-371 |
| Lecture Times: | TR3-4 |
| Units (credit hours): | 2-2-5 |
| Class Size: | 20 students |
| Grading: | A/B/C/D/F |
| Resources: | |
Recent Projects
| 2009 | Folding Tricycle Attachment | Improved tricycle wheelchair attachment for easier traveling over long distances |
| Power-assisted Tricycle | Modified tricycle wheelchair with a power assist |
| Small Business Attachments | Wheelchair additions to support small business activities, and associated micro-finance support wheelchair-based micro-enterprises |
| Web Donation Tool | Web-based mechanism for fundraising for Worldwide Mobility |
| 2008 | Folding 3-Wheeled Wheelchair | Three-wheeled wheelchair specially designed for easier traveling over rough terrain |
| Folding Tricycle Attachment | Improved tricycle wheelchair attachment for easier traveling over long distances |
| Mobile Impact | Support and empowerment network for wheelchair recipients |
| Small Business Attachments | Wheelchair additions to support small business activities, and associated micro-finance support wheelchair-based micro-enterprises |
| Wheelchair Accessories for Women | Device for female users to help carry objects in their wheelchairs |
| 2007 | 2-Speed Tricycle Drive Train | 2-speed drive train for hand-powered tricycles |
| Folding 3-Wheeled Wheelchair | Folding system for 3-wheeled wheelchairs built in Africa |
| Improved Trike Frame | Lighter and stronger tricycle frame |
| Marketing Strategies | Method to improve marketing strategies of small wheelchair workshops |
