Weelchair Beach Access Bridge - Removable

Hello my name is Parker and I am 13 years old. I am a homeschool student and will be entering 8th grade in the fall. I live near the beach and there is a lack of wheelchair access at the beach. My goal was to design a removable bridge that helps people in wheelchairs get to the ocean.

Potential uses:

• Beaches
• Hotels and resorts
• Parks
• Anywhere that would require low to the ground access

Supplies

Fusion 360

This design is meant to be pre-fabricated.

Step 1: Design Goals

Goals to solving beachside wheelchair access:

1. ADA compliant.
2. Easy to install and remove.
3. Light weight.
4. Rust and corrosion resistant.
5. Rest on an uneven surface (sand).
6. Easily tailored to fit various sized beaches.
7. Sea turtle and animal friendly.

Step 2: Final Design

I started the design process by brainstorming ideas that would incorporate all of my goals. I thought about a rollup concept and ultimately desided on slats with a base for ease of storage.

ADA compliant - Running slope can be adjusted to order to comply with ADA guidelines. Bridge is 40 inches wide between the railings. Current slope shown is 0.5:6 in.

Easy to install and remove - The bridge is comprised of a series of slats that sit on a track with railings on either side. All components can be tailored to any length necessary.

Light weight/Rust and Corrosion Resistant - Made from anodized aluminum. Designed to be installed by 1 - 2 people.

Rest on an uneven surface (sand) - The bridge base has independant adjustable feet that have dished ends that allow the bridge to sit over uneven spaces.

Easily tailored to fit various beaches - Designed to be pre-fabricated with the ability to add sections as needed. This also allows for ease of shipping.

Sea turtle and animal friendly - There are no stakes or sharp objects that go into the sand (entire structure sits on the surface to be sea turtle nest safe). Can be easily disasembled and stored at night.

Step 3: BEACHSIDE ASSEMBLY

Assembly/disassembly should be quick and easy for 1-2 people.

1. Place the base at desired location and adjust the feet as necessary.
2. Slide the railings on either side of the base.
3. Place the bridge slats on top of the base with the angled ends at each entry point.

Components can be broken down and stored each day or when not in use. Bridge slats can be stored in full sections or broken down into individual slats to fit storage space. The slats are connected with an aluminum cotter pin that can be easily removed. 226lb estimated total weight of all items shown in this concept.