Redesigning the Canine Wheelchair
School Name
Center for Advanced Technical Studies
Grade Level
11th Grade
Presentation Topic
Zoology
Presentation Type
Non-Mentored
Abstract
The most common issue from the traditional design of the canine wheelchair arises with the discomfort caused by the wheels. The wheel currently used on wheelchairs only allows for 2 degrees of freedom--forwards and backwards--and usually are bulky and oversized. This, therefore, evokes unsafe and unstable conditions for the dog by making it easy to overturn or get caught in corners. Although disabled dogs should not be left unattended whilst in the wheelchair, if they are and the cart overturns, it could potentially exacerbate the dog’s existing medical condition. By replacing the wheels on a canine wheelchair with ball casters, these problems are resolved. Ball casters allow for a more fluid, natural movement of the dog’s hips, allow movement in virtually every direction, and are functional on most surfaces since the ball is made of stainless steel. Key features also include a padded chassis for maximum comfort, chest and pelvic harnesses for support, and detachable stirrups for paralyzed (paraplegic) dogs.
Recommended Citation
Hayden, Katherine, "Redesigning the Canine Wheelchair" (2017). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 265.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2017/all/265
Location
Wall 211
Start Date
3-25-2017 11:15 AM
Presentation Format
Oral Only
Group Project
No
Redesigning the Canine Wheelchair
Wall 211
The most common issue from the traditional design of the canine wheelchair arises with the discomfort caused by the wheels. The wheel currently used on wheelchairs only allows for 2 degrees of freedom--forwards and backwards--and usually are bulky and oversized. This, therefore, evokes unsafe and unstable conditions for the dog by making it easy to overturn or get caught in corners. Although disabled dogs should not be left unattended whilst in the wheelchair, if they are and the cart overturns, it could potentially exacerbate the dog’s existing medical condition. By replacing the wheels on a canine wheelchair with ball casters, these problems are resolved. Ball casters allow for a more fluid, natural movement of the dog’s hips, allow movement in virtually every direction, and are functional on most surfaces since the ball is made of stainless steel. Key features also include a padded chassis for maximum comfort, chest and pelvic harnesses for support, and detachable stirrups for paralyzed (paraplegic) dogs.
