Structural strength analysis of the adjustment for seat height, leg rest angle, and backrest angle to design a wheelchair
Issued Date
2026-05-15
Resource Type
ISSN
0094243X
eISSN
15517616
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105039882037
Journal Title
Aip Conference Proceedings
Volume
3434
Issue
1
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Aip Conference Proceedings Vol.3434 No.1 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Keangin P., Duangpool K., Chawengwanicha P., Srimuang W. Structural strength analysis of the adjustment for seat height, leg rest angle, and backrest angle to design a wheelchair. Aip Conference Proceedings Vol.3434 No.1 (2026). doi:10.1063/5.0340583 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/117034
Title
Structural strength analysis of the adjustment for seat height, leg rest angle, and backrest angle to design a wheelchair
Author(s)
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
A wheelchair is a mobility aid usually designed to improve movement, facilitate daily activities, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with walking difficulties, particularly those with paralysis or elderly individuals. If a wheelchair lacks sufficient features, its functionality can be inadequate, leading to inefficient use and discomfort for the user. Conducting a strength analysis, particularly focusing on stress distribution within the structural design, can aid recommend wheelchair designs that effectively support users in various scenarios. This research aims to perform a strength analysis to inform the design of a wheelchair intended for medical applications. The study examines the effects of variations in seat height (34 cm, 50 cm, and 66 cm), leg rest angle (30 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees), and backrest angle (30 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees) on wheelchair design. The details regarding idea design and strength analysis, namely von Mises stress and displacement distributions, of various scenarios are analyzed using three-dimensional finite element wheelchair modeling. The simulation results indicate that the highest maximum von Mises stress observed in all situations does not exceed the material's yield strength. The backrest angle of the 90 degrees' case is found to have a maximum von Mises stress. The study's findings could serve as an appreciated foundation for establishing guidelines for wheelchair design and other medical devices aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities and other kinds of elderly care.