The way to roll: Portable, foldable wheelchair ramp

Introduction

In our school project, we focused on creating an innovative solution to improve accessibility: a wheelchair ramp that is both easy to build and affordable. This project aligns with our commitment to inclusivity and practical engineering. We focused on several key features:

• Cheap
• Portable
• Printable
• Adjustable (obstacle heights)

Technical Details

• Width: 300 mm - 800 mm (adjustable)
• Length: 1430 mm
• Maximum Height 50 mm - 250 mm
• Weight: 8100 g
• Printing Time: ~175 h
• Building Time: ~2 h
• Print Material: PLA/ASA
• Maximum load capacity: Tested 200 kg

Designed in Fusion 360 by AutoDesk (https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/personal)

Material List

Print Settings

These settings are essential for the big component to be stable enough to support the weight needed.

Item Settings

• Layer Height: 0.20 mm
• Initial Layer Height: 0.20 mm
• Wall Line Count: 5
• Top/Bottom Pattern: Line
• Infill Density: 40 %
• Infill Pattern: Cubic

Parts to print

Building Steps

Main Part

1. Cut all components to the correct size
2. Print all necessary 3D printed parts.
3. Screw the main connector part to the big (bottom) and small (top) screen printing plate. Note: Use washers!!
4. Then attach the metal sheet to the main connector.
5. After this glue the rubber mat to the metal sheet.
6. Nail the rubber mat to the endings of the screen printing plate to ensure a smoother way up the ramp and prevent sliding off.

Do this for both sides!

Folding System

1. After the Main part was built. Put in the ball bearing into the folding Limb 2 Part and screw them with the M8 toghether.
2. Glue the PVC Tubes into the folding limbs.
3. Screw the folding limbs onto the main ramps with the ball bearing holders and the ball bearings. Note: Use washers!!
4. After this screw the lock mechanism onto the ramp itself. Do this with the ball bearing holders and the ball bearings again. Note: Use washers!!
5. Glue the short PVC Tubes into the handels and screw it onto the ramp.

After this the ramp now has the folding system attached and can be folded together.