UpScale

UpScale - open-source assistive technology prototype by the Shenkar College community

About this project

UpScale is a lightweight, easy to store wheelchair scale adaptation that allows wheelchair users to weight themselves at home while remaining seated in their chair. The product is composed of two aluminum slides that sit on top of any basic scale so wheelchairs can easily roll on and off. UpScale was designed by wheelchair users and makers from TOM:TLV. For less than $60 USD in manufacturing costs, TOM’s UpScale is both affordable and accessible to all people, no matter their location or economic situation.

The challenge

The only options for wheelchair users across the globe are stopping by a local healthcare facility or purchasing an enormous and expensive scale of their own (which also requires assistance). With the estimated cost of buying a wheelchair-compatible scale at $500-$2,500, this is both inconvenient and out of reach for the roughly 3.6 million Americans and tens of thousands of Israeli wheelchair users.

Who it helps

The team was working with multiple users with different characteristics (chair sizes and weight, arms and hands functionality, etc..) to adapt the product to their needs (User Testing).

While doing so, the team has improved significantly the functionality of the product.

How it works

Product specs

Approximate Time Required: 2 Days

Approximate cost : less than USD $60

Upscale is a scale adaption that allows wheelchair users to weigh themselves at home while remaining seated to their chair. It is an accessible and affordable solution for all.

The product is composed of two aluminum slides that sit on top of any basic scale so wheelchairs can easily roll on and off.

To build this product, please download the product file and take adequate safety precautions when using manufacturing equipment.

Tools needed -

Power Screwdriver with Philips Bit

Disk Grinder

Measuring Tape

All-Purpose Adhesive Sealant (e.g. Super 7)

Dry Erase Marker

Sanding Paper

Jigsaw

Sharpener

Bill of materials -

(x2) U-Shaped Aluminium Profiles 120cm x 13cm x 2cm 2

(x4) Aluminium Profiles 63cm x 3cm x 1.5cm

(x1) Aluminium Profiles 42cm x 3cm x 1.5cm

(x4) Aluminium Profiles 11cm x 3 cm x 1.5cm

(x2) Aluminium Profiles 12.5cm x 3 cm x 1.5cm

(x2) Rubber Sheets 120cm x 12.5cm x 2 mm

(x4) Rubber Sheets 11cm x 1cm x 2mm

(x2) Rubber Sheets 40cm x 2.5cm x 2mm

(x1) 1cm Phillips Head Self-Drilling Screws includes 2 spares

(x1) Wood Mount fitting weight scale device internal frame 30cm x 30cm x 0.5cm (corner radius 4.5cm - for Xioami product) external frame 33.5cm x 33.5cm x 0.5cm

(x1) Weight scale device with Bluetooth connectivity preferred - Xioami Smart Scale used in the development.

(x1) Wood Plate 63cm x 35cm x 1.5cm

(x2) Angled Aluminium Profile

(x1) Elastic Band

For any questions regarding the assembly, operation or specifications of this device, please contact daniel.levy@tomglobal.org

Product Development History

This product originated in TOM:Tefen 2015. It was made for Sefi, a need knower who had trouble weighing himself.

The product was then continued by a team of makers in TOM:TLV Developer groups 2019 decided to redesign and manufacture this product, starting with building one for the need knower, Ofer, and then making a clear product file that could be disseminated.

see TOM:TLV's Upscale here

The product later was continued in a partnership between TOM and Shenkar college - TOM:Merkaha week 2020, a group of students helped improve and make more scales, and testing them with need knowers.

The Shenkar team includes: Ofek Saar, Ran Schnidermen, Yotam Katzuni, Doron Tyroler, Shay, Or, Dr. David Yigal

To follow updates on Upscale and other assistive tech solutions by TOM communities and our global network of makers, follow us on social media here .

Project details

The build files for UpScale are free to download from this page - open source, shared by TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers.

Related projects

Browse all TOM projects · Search projects · TOM communities · Makeathons and events