Modular Folding Table to Increase the Surface Area of a Walker and Provide Improved Storage Options.
Introduction: Modular Folding Table to Increase the Surface Area of a Walker and Provide Improved Storage Options.
A cooperation between Howest, D4E1 and several Belgian care centers tasked the students of Howest to create custom solutions for their appointed clients problems. The solutions should not only be affordable but also DIY-proof so that it could easily be altered and created by all interested parties. To allow all people to use this solution we created a modular design that allows all parts to be changed to the dimensions of the users walker.
The client that was appointed to us uses her walker everyday and likes to carry around a lot of items throughout the day using the provided surface area as well as the provided basket in the front. Due to her high energy levels the large storage capabilities have become a danger to herself and even other inhabitants. When our user wants to show something she found that the surface area was to small to be used efficient. This surface also did not allow for storage of small objects due to the fact that they would shake off while walking on uneven surfaces.
This led us to a certain set of demands that we were able to incorporate into our design as can be seen in the video above.
List of demands:
* Increase surface area
* Provide storage for papers and pictures
* Provide storage for small objects
* Create a minimal of sharp edges.
* Prevent visibility as little as possible.
* Make the product removable (transportation)
* Allow for one handed operation (safety)
Team members:
* <PERSON> (Occupational therapist)
* <PERSON> (Product designer)
* <PERSON> (Product designer)
Supplies
To allow you to alter the model to your own specific needs we provide all the drawings and models relating to this project. All these designs can be altered by changing the measurements that you can take from your own walker. By simply adding these in the parameter table the drawings and models will change in one go.
In the step by step plan we will show how you can use these drawings to create templates, CNC-paths or 3d printer ready files.
* 3D Model of the handle
* 3D Model of the table and the drawings
* Decision matrix of materials (pictures)
As for necessary hardware the list is very limited:
* Wood and super glue
* Stapler
* Screwdriver
* Knife
* Sandpaper
* Acces to a makerspace.
The materials that you will need for this project however can be decided using the provided matrixes. The selection of these materials will be shared in a following step.
Step 1: Measuring
First off all we measure the existing walker and write down all the measurements that we need as shown in the picture.
Step 2: Adaptation
We take these measurements and fill them into the right places in the parameter sheet. 215
This can be done in the design environment of Fusion360. By altering these measurements the models will be changed to suit your personal needs.
Step 3: Preparation
Print out the different templates or generate the different drawings that are needed for the particular machine that is going to be used in your production.
* Laser cutting: RGB line drawing can be created by exporting drawings in the modeling environment. The owner or operator of this machine will be able to give you detailed information on what particular requirements the drawing should have for the machine in question.
* CNC milling: Fusion360 provides the possibility to export the required code for milling operations on different machines. The operator of the machine will be able to give you information regarding the creation of this code or will be able to do it for you.
* Manual production: Line drawings can exported from Fusion by using the drawing functionality. Not only can you choose different formats, you can also chose what information to show in these drawings. Seeing as Fusion 360 is a commonly used free program a lot of information, in the form of tutorials, can be found online.
Step 4: Acquisition
After going through the material matrix and writing down all the necessary materials you should go online or the appropriate shops to get all the needed materials.
A simple hardware store near you should have all the needed materials you are looking for ordering online is also a good option but will take more time.
The materials we chose are visible in the picture above, they were the best fit for our requirements and budget. You should however choose the materials that suit you best.
Step 5: Production
When all the materials are gathered we can cut out the forms we need on the Laser cutting table. However the forms can also be created with a CNC machine or a regular handsaw. Use whatever is at your disposal. The 3D-printed parts are comprised of simple geometry and should be able to be printed on all 3D printers regardless of the settings. 110