2025 | Student

MUSE Design Awards Silver Winner

Wheelchair Accessories Transit

Entrant

Tatung University

Category

Product Design - Aids / Prosthetics

Client's Name

Han Sheng Chang,Xuanming Cao

Country / Region

Taiwan

Wheelchair users often face obstacles from small height differences—boarding buses and trains, crossing uneven sidewalks, or entering buildings. These barriers can limit independence and delay public transport. Existing solutions like electric lifts are expensive, power-dependent, and complex to maintain. Manual ramps require others’ help, are time-consuming, and inefficient during busy hours.

This hydraulic aid was developed to solve these problems. Inspired by observations of boarding delays, it uses a foot-operated hydraulic piston system that amplifies force fourfold, allowing caregivers to raise wheelchairs quickly and smoothly. A check valve locks the height without requiring sustained pressure; pressing the control valve allows a safe, controlled descent.

Operation is simple: unfold the footplate, press the pedal to activate the hydraulic system, lift the wheelchair, and cross the height gap. Once completed, retract the support and fold the footplate. The entire process takes about 10 seconds—significantly faster than traditional methods.

Its modular design allows installation on most standard wheelchairs in under 10 minutes. When not in use, the system retracts completely without affecting normal function. Built with aluminum, titanium, and oil-resistant PEEK plastic, it’s lightweight, durable, and power-free. It has been tested for over 10,000 full-load lift cycles with consistent performance.

This device reduces physical effort by 75%, improves boarding speed, and minimizes the need for external assistance. It offers a practical, scalable solution for public transport, hospitals, and everyday use—removing barriers without altering infrastructure.







Credits

Product design
Han Sheng Chang
Institutional design
Xuanming Cao
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