Terrace Trolley Assistance

In cooperation with Griet and some fellow workers of Heilig Hart VZW Pamele we have developed the Terrasrolwagenhulp. In 2009 doctors have removed a temporal brain tumour from Griet’s brain. Due to this surgery Griet suffers from an acquired brain injury. Currently, she uses a wheelchair to move around and has to depend on others for a lot of things.

Griet enjoys good weather. She prefers to do this outside on her terrace, to which she has access from her room. This terrace, however, is placed much deeper than her room. Due to this problem, Griet cannot access her terrace without any help. Currently there is a platform on a small area of the terrace. However, this platform is not big and safe enough for Griet to use. Despite the platform, Griet cannot make optimum use of her terrace.

Before we could help Griet solve this problem, we got to know her better. We have visited Griet several times. During these visits we have asked about her preferences and wishes and tested several prototypes. We have made a total of 8 visits to Griet.

We have developed a tool Griet can use to access her terrace with help from others. This tool consists of a platform that has the same height as her room and a slanted plane. To use the entire space of the terrace the slanted plane can open and close. When Griet wants to sit on her terrace, the third party must open the slanted plane. In this manner, she can easily access her terrace. Once Griet is no longer on the slanted plane, the third party must close it. That way, as little space as possible is taken by the tool and someone can accompany Griet while she is on her terrace.

Step 1: Necessary Materials/Machines

Materials

• 2 plywood planks: (1220 mm x 2500 mm)
• 62 Bolts (4 mm x 40 mm)
• 24 Bolts (3 mm x 15 mm)
• 4 Hinges (6 bolts, 30 mm x 80 mm)

Machines

• Sawing machine
• Drill bit (3mm)
• Drilling machine
• Screwdriver (cross)
• Clock drill (30 mm)
• Measuring rod

Step 2: Draw the Pieces on the Plates

Make sure first and foremost that the board is right, so four angles of 90 °.

Draw all pieces on the 2 boards, as in the attached files. (PLANK A & PLANK B)

Sizes:

A: 120 cm x 80 cm

B: 120 cm x 22 cm

C: 118,5 cm x 22 cm

D: 77 cm x 22 cm

E: 37,7 cm x 20 cm

F: 80 cm x 22 cm

G: 94.3 cm x 35 cm

H: 21 cm x 35 cm

I: 116 cm x 180 cm

J: 41.3 cm x 35 cm

K: 5,2 xm x 41.6 cm

Step 3: Sawing

Follow the just drawn lines and cut them out with the help of a sawing machine.

Step 4: Measure Screw Holes and Handles

Draw the necessary points where we will pre-drill holes. (PDF Holes)

Use a drill diameter 3mm, to drill the holes.

Draw the necesary points where we wil drill the handles.

Use a clock drill with a diameter of 30 mm, to drill te holes for the handles.

Step 5: Building the Platform

Assembly according to enclosed manual