MechCanopy - Wheelchair in the Rain

MechCanopy - Wheelchair in the Rain - open-source assistive technology prototype by the Abraham Accords Open Innovation Challenge community

About this project

The MechCanopy is an affordable, simple way to attach umbrellas to wheelchairs so all users can be comfortable going outside in inclement weather.

The challenge

This project is needed because the current solutions are either inconvenient or too costly. For instance, James stated that an umbrella extension at the back of the wheelchair is difficult to reach, and electric devices such as Veltop are costly. We aimed to design an affordable solution to help all wheelchair users feel comfortable going out in the rain.

This project was designed as part of the Abraham Accords Open Innovation Challenge (AAOIC) in 2022. The AAOIC is a 6-week competition in humanitarian innovation among teams of student-makers and need-knowers to create open-source, affordable, and accessible solutions to neglected challenges of people living with disabilities.

Who it helps

Our need-knower is James Cesario. James has been using a wheelchair since around his college years after he was involved in a car accident. He wants a better way of dealing with harsh weather conditions such as rain and snow while operating his wheelchair.

How it works

Our solution is easy to use and consists of accessible, 3D-printed parts. Our design will take approximately 5 minutes to assemble and the entirety of the design costs around $10.

Our solution consists of two 3D-printed clamps and a PVC pipe that connects the two. One clamp is attached at the leg of the wheelchair where it is easy to reach, and the other clamp is attached to the umbrella.

Tools Needed

3D Printer

Bill of Materials

Please see detailed BOM and printing models in the downloadable product file.

Estimated Time to Make

12 hours of 3D print time

5 minutes of assembly time

Project details

The build files for MechCanopy - Wheelchair in the Rain are free to download from this page - open source, shared by TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers.

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