Functions and Design in Wheelchair Wheels
- Conventional wheelchair wheels have a base construction made up of wheel rim, a push rim and a number of adjoining pieces connecting the rims together. Conventional wheelchairs have two sets of wheels, rear wheels and front caster-type wheels.
- Rear wheels provide the push to the wheelchair. In order to apply force to move a wheelchair, the user grips the push or wheel rim to propel the wheelchair forward. The front caster wheels help in maneuvering the wheelchair in the desired direction.
- Historically, wheels for wheelchairs have had a few design flaws. Firstly, the wheel rim and push rim are joined together by five joints, or spokes, around the wheel. Unfortunately, there is vast potential for hands to get caught or jammed in the gaps. This may cause injury to the hands and fingers. Secondly, there is insufficient room for placing the palms of the hand on the push rim, as there is not enough surface area between the wheel rim and push rim. Designers have started designing new wheels with the obstacles faced buy the user in mind. The wheels being made today are ergonomically designed for performance and strength, and reduce the likelihood of hand injuries.
- Today, custom alloy wheels are available in the market for specialized wheelchairs. For example, racing wheelchairs need wheels which are extremely light and at the same time have great durability to ensure safety. Various alloys are used in making the wheel. Recently a unique Vulcan design has come on the market. It consists of a wheel rim, a push rim and a cylindrical band extending between both rims, all formed from one piece of extruded aluminum. This means that the entire wheel is one complete piece. The cylindrical band provides a larger contact area for the palm, which makes it easier to grip the wheel with the force required to propel the chair. Its ergonomically design compliments the use of palm and fingers and reduces the risk of trauma to the hand. The wheel comes in many colors to aesthetically complement the wheelchair color and is priced approximately at $550.