Title: Development of transporting device for bi-lateral amputees.
Author: Ryuuji CHINEN, Kazuyoshi NISHIHARA, Kenichirou UEDA, Daisuke OKAMOTO, Daisuke IHARA, Shinichi KINOSHITA (Osaka Electro-Communication University) Ichirou KITAYAMA, Mikio YUKI (The Hyogo Assistive Technology Research and Design Institute)
Proceedings of 12th Japanese Conference of Advancement of Rehabilitation Technology . Vol.12, pp.9-12 (August, 1997)
Keywords:
Author to whom correspondence be addressed:
Ryuuji CHINEN
Osaka Electro-Communication University
TEL:0720-20-4578

Abstract:
This paper describes development of a transporting device for in door use for bi-lateral amputees. The device consists of a board (350mm and 250mm) and six small wheels. Because of six wheels, it can turn in very small radius. So, it can turn back on a corridor with 50cm width. The diameter of the wheels affects the height of the board. Therefore, the force to maneuver this device depends on the diameter of the wheels. To identify the diameter of the wheels, forces generated by the right arm when it was driven were measured using a force plate. Three kinds of wheels, which diameters were 25mm, 38mm and 50mm, and three kinds of floor, which were a iron board, a Japanese tatami and a rug, were tested. As a result of the measurement, there is no deference between each diameter on the iron board. However, 50mm-wheel required the smallest force on the Japanese tatami and the rug. Therefore, 50mm of diameter were chosen as the best wheel diameter for it. It has the advantage of ease to pass over a curb.