Tensegrity Structure: Experimental Methodology for Wheelchair Design

摘要

This experimental research is inserted in the universe of people with special needs and intends to develop a new technology to design the structure of wheelchair. This structure consists of a tensegrity module composed of bamboo sticks and tensioned cables and adopts all the anthropometric standards with the observance to the ergonomic studies and individual needs of the use of the wheelchair users. This new concept of structure design, as it is unprecedented, results in an innovative product and allows new interpretations and unfolding. This research also initiates a new interpretation of tensegrity by its application to orthotics for rehabilitation that is currently widely diffused in the plastic arts, architecture, but incipient in product design. The use of tensegrity can meet some needs as a favorable body adaptation due to the malleability of the structure that absorbs the more sudden movements that can cause discomfort, injury and bad accommodation of the user to the wheelchair, besides providing a product of low cost and of easy production , because the structure is assembled by fit and wired.