Design Specifications
1) The mounting system should not
significantly impact the size of the wheelchair in general. The standard wheelchair total
width is less than 30”. The standard doorway width ranges from 28" to 32". Based
on this, the additional width added to the wheelchair from the mounting
system should be less than 2”.
2) The mounting system must possess is easy stow and extension of the tablet computer. The mounting system must have a collapsed form that fits within the dimensions of the wheelchair the seat back. Wheelchair seat back widths range from 14” to 22”, for the “slim adult” to “wide adult”. The seat back has a maximum height around 16 ½” and a minimum around 6”. The mounting system must have a collapsed conformation that fits the minimum seat back dimensions of 14”x6”.
3) The mounting system must also have an extended conformation that places the tablet computer a comfortable distance in front of the user. Based upon statistics, the average arm length is around 22". The total extension of the mounting system should be no more than 22”. This allows the user to comfortably adjust the viewing position of the tablet.
4) The tablet mounting system for wheelchairs should also be lightweight and easy to maneuver. The weight of the tablet mounting system should be a small fraction (<5%) of the total weight of the user and wheelchair combined. If the average weight of the user and wheelchair is estimated at 180lbs, the mounting system with tablet should be less than 9lbs. This ensures that the tablet mounting system does not impact the tipping point of the wheelchair and is a manageable weight for the user to adjust.
5) The most important design requirement of the tablet mounting system is security. The two most important locations of security assurance are the connection of the tablet to the mounting system and the entire system to the chair. In addition, a method of hiding the tablet when it is stowed will detract attention to the user. These security measures will give the user a sense of safety when using the tablet mounting system on the go.
6) Comfort, impact on mobility of wheelchair, and durability are also important design requirements. The mounting system must not decrease the comfort of the user in the wheelchair and the ability of the user to move the wheelchair, whether the mounting system is in the stowed or extended position. The mounting system must also be able to withstand long-term use.
2) The mounting system must possess is easy stow and extension of the tablet computer. The mounting system must have a collapsed form that fits within the dimensions of the wheelchair the seat back. Wheelchair seat back widths range from 14” to 22”, for the “slim adult” to “wide adult”. The seat back has a maximum height around 16 ½” and a minimum around 6”. The mounting system must have a collapsed conformation that fits the minimum seat back dimensions of 14”x6”.
3) The mounting system must also have an extended conformation that places the tablet computer a comfortable distance in front of the user. Based upon statistics, the average arm length is around 22". The total extension of the mounting system should be no more than 22”. This allows the user to comfortably adjust the viewing position of the tablet.
4) The tablet mounting system for wheelchairs should also be lightweight and easy to maneuver. The weight of the tablet mounting system should be a small fraction (<5%) of the total weight of the user and wheelchair combined. If the average weight of the user and wheelchair is estimated at 180lbs, the mounting system with tablet should be less than 9lbs. This ensures that the tablet mounting system does not impact the tipping point of the wheelchair and is a manageable weight for the user to adjust.
5) The most important design requirement of the tablet mounting system is security. The two most important locations of security assurance are the connection of the tablet to the mounting system and the entire system to the chair. In addition, a method of hiding the tablet when it is stowed will detract attention to the user. These security measures will give the user a sense of safety when using the tablet mounting system on the go.
6) Comfort, impact on mobility of wheelchair, and durability are also important design requirements. The mounting system must not decrease the comfort of the user in the wheelchair and the ability of the user to move the wheelchair, whether the mounting system is in the stowed or extended position. The mounting system must also be able to withstand long-term use.