Instructions on Completing Mock-Up of Track Slide Design for Lift/Lower of Center-Mounted Footrests on Power Wheel Chairs

Instructions on Completing Mock-Up of Track Slide Design for Lift/Lower of Center-Mounted Footrests on Power Wheel Chairs

Center-mounted footrests lift to be stowed beneath the seat well, and lower to be deployed. A mechanism for independent operation of footrest stowage and deployment is not included in market power wheel chairs, and PWC users have expressed the need for such a mechanism. We aim to design a solution that permits wheelchair users to independently lift and lower a center-mounted footplate during transferring processes.

The mock-up is designed to showcase the mechanism by which the track slide design works to lift and lower the power wheelchair center-mounted footrest. The instructables for this design will most likely require access to a machine shop. Bolding indicates important instructions.

link to youtube video demonstrating use, and uses of several other designs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ks2oms2GBs

The demonstration of redesigned footrest  - www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xuyup0bdli0&feature=related

Step 1 Procuring Materials

Start off with a simple drawer slide , the drawer slide must allow you to remove the track from the slide. The innate locking mechanism of the track may also be useful to showcase a locking mechanism (Fig 1). You will also want to pick up hinges of all different sizes. I used 4 different hinges, 3 of which were rather large ACE brand long hinges, and one small miniature hinge. You will also need screws, washers, bolts, bushings, and spare aluminum parts. The size of which is up to you, as you will be drilling the holes at a size of your individual discretion. I will make suggestions on size at times, but it is up to you. These are the essential materials. Other materials are also needed later for retrofitting onto the wheelchair and for ergonomic considerations.

List of Materials (All materials will be pictured in latter steps)

Essential device materials
drawer slide (shown in Fig 1)
3 long hinges
1 miniature sized hinge
screws, washers, bolts, bushings
aluminum scrap piece for making a handle bar

Retrofitting/Ergonomic nonessential materials
8020 construction set piece
foam
zip ties
L-bar