A fantastic idea Sara. 

How can we help? Can you list two or three things that you need some assistance with? Looking forward to seeing this project develop. 

A few extra ideas that you could look into, 

1. Enhanced Wheelchair Tiedown and Restraint Systems:
• Independence: Design systems that wheelchair users can operate independently.
• Universal Compatibility: Create adaptable systems compatible with various wheelchair types.
2. User-Friendly Brake Mechanisms:
• Focus on making braking mechanisms more intuitive and user-friendly:
• Push-to-Lock Brakes: Consider using push-to-lock brakes, which are simple yet effective¹.
• Visual Indicators: Add clear visual indicators to show when the brakes are engaged or disengaged.
• Ergonomic Design: Ensure the brake handles are comfortable and easy to grip.

Great idea Sarah, anything that can improve the safety of users who may already have injuries or disabilities is fantastic! 

Staying in tune with the bicycle idea, have you considered a 'gearing' system (sort of like a manual gearbox in a car or truck) that helps to control descents without friction on the disc brakes? This could be a benefit ergonomically and reduce long periods of having to hold the brakes in. 

Hi Sarah I think this is a great idea and have a few notes I hope you find constructive.

·        As others have mentioned making a system that can be adapted to existing wheelchairs would be great.

·        As well as disk brakes you could consider cantilever or v brakes if these prove easier to mount

·        As a lot of the users of may be frail or not have full use of their hands, consider the most ergonomic way to mount the brake control that also gives the user enough leverage that pulling in the lever is not too hard

·        Making the brakes work independently, (left and right wheels) may become dangerous if they apply different pressures, may cause the wheelchair to turn

Awesome idea Sara, improving safety and the wellbeing of wheelchair users. Wheelchair breaks are very important when on inclines, in a moving vehicle and during transfers of people getting in and out of the wheelchair. I have a couple of suggestions which I hope you find beneficial to your design. 

1. Implementing a seatbelt or safety restrain on the seat.

     - Having a restraint on the seat will help to further improve the safe use of the brakes by stopping people from being launched forwards when brakes are applied suddenly. 

     - The restraint will also be useful as a continency when on inclines and vehicles.

2. Focusing on user friendly brakes. Such as:

    - A cost effective braking mechanism.

    - A braking mechanism that is easy to use. This will promote social sustainability and be beneficial if brakes are needed in an emergency situation.

Good evening Sarah. 

Sending out a little UpRising news update. 

Hi Sarah, I think you've had a great idea here.

Potentially a bit of food for thought, continuing on with the comment of using gearing to help slow the user and chair down, I wonder if some sort of fail-safe centrifugal brake could be made to suit the application in case the user is unable to operate the brakes at the time, limiting the speed of the chair. I believe that some fishing rod baitcasting reels have either a magnetic or centrifugal brake drag system which might be applicable.

Hey, Sarah! o/ Your intuition and creativity in enhancing wheelchair safety through improved braking are both awesome and commendable, especially given the number of users who experience difficulty with braking on slopes, as you've noted. You know drawing inspiration from modern bicycle brakes is quite smart, as that can be pretty efficient and user-friendly at times. I guess the key consideration here is ensuring that the components are easy to install while also not adding significant weight or complexity to the wheelchair, which requires careful balancing. Considering how everyone's strength and coordination can vary significantly. Therefore, a suggestion would be to design the brake system in such a way that it's easily usable by everyone. Other than those points, I think you've made a really good design and contribution to this area. Good luck in your future project endeavors Sarah!

Congratulations Sarah you are nearly there.

If you could update the image on your Post to show a little collage of your projects development that would be fantastic. We will be awarding the top three UpRising design projects for 2024 and the UpRising alliance and community love to see the journey of your design.

There is a little feedback survey, if you could fill it in that would fantastic as it really helps us to understand how we can better help next years design students.

https://forms.gle/XLgNBqQepAw2Go5q7

It also has an option for you to select if you would like to continue to be involved in UpRising next year and beyond. Lots of interesting ways to continue to build connections within the design industry. Great for your resume and career paths.

Wishing you all the best with your trials and finishing touches on your MDP.

Shout out if we can help in any way.