[@gt]

Hello,

We are looking for a way to create a wheelchair mount to display a toy at eye level in front of a student while he is seated in his wheelchair. Having the toy at eye level will encourage him to sit upright. We would need something made out of pipes and joints, so that it can clamp to the wheelchair, and be easily adjustable, to ensure proper positioning of the toy. We would want small surface/shelf at the end onto which we can velcro or hang a small toy on. We would want it strong enough to withstand some pulling or tugging, as the child may attempt to do so. Also beneficial, would be if the mount can be temporarily removed when not in use.

This is the idea of what we need, except we are looking for something much, much less expensive. Also, at the end would be a surface for mounting/hanging a small toy.

Monty 3D QuickShift

http://www.daessy.com/dms/mseries/indexmser.html

https://www.rehabmart.com/product/light-duty-magic-arm-mounting-system-32684.html

 

I see there is already this product available (just a joint), but perhaps, it can be a starting point for creating a full mount.

PAMS Universal Lockable Joint

Maybe someone has an idea how to create a mount out of cheaper materials (ex: PVC pipes, 3d printed joints, etc…)

 

Thank you!

[@chriscarless]

Hi

I am a mechanical engineer and work a lot with piping systems. If this need is still live I would like to help.

Chris

[@gt]

@chriscarless wrote:

Hi

I am a mechanical engineer and work a lot with piping systems. If this need is still live I would like to help.

Chris

Yes, your assistance and advice in this matter will be greatly appreciated.  So I assume that I can use PVC pipes, but need help with creating adjustable ‘joints’ as well as a way to secure it to the wheelchair. If you look at the links in my original post, you’ll see that such a thing already exists for mounting iPads onto wheelchairs. So I’m thinking of something along those lines, only in a way cheaper version. thank you!

[@chriscarless]

Sorry that I’ve been so slow to reply.

Conceptually, I think this type of device is a balance between adjustability and strength.  The devices that you can buy are so expensive because they offer both.  If we just make one using plastic pipe and 3D printed joints it might be very adjustable, but I would be concerned that it wouldn’t be very strong.  If the student grabbed it it could just break.  Which would you say is most important?  If strength is most important I think that something made using commercial plastic pipe and joints might work.  The kind of thing in the image below.

Another question I have is where on the wheelchair it might be practical to attach the mount.  I imagine that anything at the side is going to be a real pain in terms of getting knocked every time you go through a doorway.  Would something that was fixed to the back and came over your student’s shoulder be a possibility?  A photo of the wheelchair would be useful.

Chris

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