Manufactura y pruebas de una silla de ruedas postural-bipedestadora con sistema de rehabilitación muscular (pantorrilla) para niños con parálisis cerebral

Abstract

The objective of this work was the mechanical redesign, construction and evaluation of a postural-standing wheelchair for children with cerebral palsy and a lower extremity rehabilitation system. Design parameters were defined using logically related methods such as product overview, conceptual design application criteria, reference to user requirements, and quality function implementation (QFD). The most important characteristics were resistance, low cost, functionality, safety and ergonomics, with these criteria three main alternatives were proposed, using a morphological matrix and the corrected ordinal method of weighted criteria, the best alternative was selected. The project involved the development of an automated wheelchair that would allow the user to maintain an upright posture, thus improving participation in activities that would not be possible in a sitting position, as well as improving physiological aspects. For the design and simulation SolidWorks was used, meanwhile for the kinematic analysis, as well as for verification regarding the design, Ansys Mechanical was used, an analysis that allowed obtaining ad adequate selection of the type and dimensions of the material. Finally, an analysis of unit cost is presented, demonstrating that the prototype maintains a relatively low cost, physical and functional characteristics similar to those available in the local and international market. It is concluded that a postural-standing system has been successfully implemented, which allows moving a person from a sitting position to a standing position, allowing safe movement in approximately 30 seconds, supporting a maximum load of 80kg. The presence of tutors and other supports is recommended when carrying out tests on patients, since they must have a good handling of the chair, be ready to respond to any unforeseen event and monitor the behavior of the patient.