Ergonomic Wheelchair for Paraplegic Dogs with Resting Mechanism

Abstract

After the development of specific wheelchairs for dogs, the quality of life of these animals with locomotor disabilities has improved considerably. However, even with the many benefits provided to dogs, canine wheelchairs can present some inconveniences to the animals that use them. An example of this is conventional wheelchairs, which do not have a resting mechanism, causing the animal to spend a long time without resting, which veterinarians consider to be very harmful to the health of the disabled animal. In light of the described problem, this project consists of the study of canine wheelchairs and the development of a wheelchair prototype with a resting mechanism so that the animal can rest without being removed from the chair, aiming to provide greater comfort to the animal and practicality to the owner. Additionally, the report presents the choice of ideal materials to be used in wheelchairs for dogs, in order to provide better ergonomics and experience for the animal during the use of the product. Finally, the use of rapid prototyping in the production of some parts made in 3D printers is also detailed in the report, along with presenting the 
assembly processes of the wheelchair prototype.