Wheelchair Brake Lever—CS-05

For (With Whom)

People for whom applying the brake strains the lower back and knees.

Why

The user is the primary caregiver of a person with hemiplegia who uses a wheelchair. Although the user is an independent older adult, they have pain in both knees (knee osteoarthritis), and bending the knees or working in a crouched posture caused knee pain. When operating the wheelchair during home care, the brake is at the lower rear of the frame, so they had to bend their knees and endure pain to work. They asked whether the brake position could be changed. The wheelchair is used both indoors and outdoors, and when going out the caregiver has to carry the wheelchair down the entrance step, so the lightweight, compact wheelchair currently in use was chosen (there are no plans to change the wheelchair).

How

First, we visited the user's home to see how they usually provide care. The wheelchair brake was located around the user's knees, and every time they reached for it, they felt knee pain. They said it would be easier if they could apply the brake around their thigh, so we adjusted the brake lever to the desired height. Considering frequent use, the brake attachment needed a firm hold, so we made it in two parts, upper and lower, fixed with screws. That led to the current form.

Outcome

Previously the user bent their knees to operate the brake, but attaching the brake lever greatly reduced the effort. Operating the brake had become a chore every time they transferred to the wheelchair for meals, toileting, or going out, but because it no longer causes pain, their stress has improved greatly.

Materials Used

PLA

Approximate 3D Print Weight

65g

Print Settings Overview

Body, sides: Nozzle diameter = 0.4mm, Layer height = 0.2mm, Infill = 40%, Temp = 200°C, Speed = 50mm/s, Supports = yes

Accessory Information

Inner diameter 75mm