Wheelchair Hacking Thanks to 3D Printing

[Brian_Krassenstein]

High school students at Massachusetts-based NuVu Studio learned Autodesk 3D modeling software in order to develop unique solutions to three issues surrounding traditional wheelchair designs. Inspired to help a classmate in a wheelchair, groups of students designed brand new solutions to these issues, creating a novel rowing mechanism to enhance speed and efficiency, a wheelchair canopy and modular rail system, and an arm rest/desk. Each group designed 3D models of their solutions' components, prototyped in various materials (including cardboard), and ultimately 3D printed some pieces to bring their designs to life. Check out more in the full article: http://3dprint.com/25390/nuvu-studio-wheelchairs/ ‎


Below is a look at the 3D printed wheelchair canopy:

[mgleason83]

Presley.jpgMy daughter has SMARD (Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress) which weakens the muscles and prevents her from doing things other kids do like coloring. I 3D printed a bracket that mounts to her chair and supports some t-slot that can hold her arm. Now she can color!!