Designing for underserved South Africans
The shantytowns in Johanessburg are ​difficult to reach by ambulance, they need a ​better solution to transport injured, elderly ​and pregnant people to the outskirts of town ​where they can access medical attention. ​The roads are narrow, the terrain is bumpy ​and the wait for the ambulance is 30+ ​minutes. They will be stored in peoples ​homes, which are small tin roofed shacks.
Volunteer
Township Resident
Gender:
Male
Age:
35
Goal:
Assist community members in medical emergencies by transporting the stored stretcher to the location of the patient and bringing them to an accessible road on the outskirts of the township
Pain points:
- Small shanty style home, limited storage area
- Minimal medical knowledge
- Urgent action required
- Single operator of stretcher
USER PERSONAS
Patient
Township Resident
Gender:
Female
Age:
68
Goal:
Receive transportation from their location in the township to a main road during a medical emergency in a safe and comfortable manner without cost
Pain points:
- Unable to move from their current location
- Inaccessible to reach by ambulance
- In pain and frightened
Our Design Goals
01
02
03
Collapsable
The. stretcher cannot take up too much space in their small homes.
Built to Withstand
Build a stretcher with the climate and terrain in mind with the intent to last.
Easily Manufactorable
Our partners have limited recources and want to be able to manufacture locally. Have access to bike parts, steel and welding.
Considerations
Size and weight
Wheel type, height, and placement
Collapsibility and portability
Comfortability and safety
Design
Requirements
Single user operation
Withstand rough terrain
Fit within shanty homes
Stand alone
Calculations
Lifting force required
Wheel formation stability
Support placement
Assembly time
First Prototype
This first prototype was meant to answer questions about hinging, size, material and wheel placement.
Balancing issue, hinges in an uncomfortable place
Awkward and heavy 6x2, too big
uncomfortable to push
Bought hinges too much flex, pinch hazard, locks open, 90, and flat not viable
Second Prototype
The second prototype was meant to answer questions about wheel height/mechanism, hinges and locking, shape size and height.
Pro: Quick release bike clamp allows easy wheel attachment
Con: The wheels twist in transportation
Pro: Different sized people fit comfortably Con: Difficult to get onto, see over, and to steer
Pro: A double hinge allows it fold flat
Con: Needs to rest on someething
- Height of stretcher.... too high
- Front wheel of stretcher... too far forward
- Steering.... awkward handles/ no leverage
- Back wheels twisting during transportation
- Weak unsupported handles, not long or strong enough
- Had to pick up to steer
- Back handles not strong enough
- Broke at tack welds
- Wheels buckled and twisted
- Tire deflation critical
The Takeaways
Third Prototype
Added a knob so the strut could no longer twist and a triangle support for the wheel attachment
Lighter tubing, shorter length and rounded edges.
Added a recessed hinge to add to comfort and collapsability.
A 3 pivoting point locking hinge to allow patient to sit at 45 degrees and feel safe while in transport.
Woven, sturdy, comfortable solution that is waterproof and long lasting
Longer handles make for an easier time maneuvering, they also move left and right allowing you to pivot much easier with less force. They collapse in flat for storage,
Moving the wheel back 25cm results in 20% reduction in force
2
4
3
1
5
Assemble
Drop-Off
The wheels are put on the stretcher and it is removed from the house it is stored in
The volunteer maneuvers the stretcher through the township to the main road where ambulances can access
Meet Patient
Re-Stow
Alert
The volunteer is alerted of a medical emergency in the township
The volunteer loads the patient onto the stretcher, adjusting the resting position to either 180 degrees or 45 degrees
The volunteer brings the stretcher back to their home, washes it down, and collapses it down to store
In the future we would...
01
Swiveling Front Wheel
We think that it would make the transporters job of steering easier if they didnt have to lift and pivot on the front wheel but could more easily change direction
02
Telescoping Handles
The handles could come out even farther and give the transporter an easier time steering
04
Longer Rails
Adding an extra safety measure to help the patient and the transporter feel safer and more confident.
05
Seatbelts/Straps
A very important safety measure that all stretchers include. Ensures limbs don’t fall off bed.
03
Acapulco Weaving
A South African weaving techinique using recycled plastic to create a strong, stable and waterproof weave.
06
Shock Absorption
Increase comfort and help navigate the bumby terrian, maybe bigger wheels or leaf shock springs
