Foldable Ramp w/ Wheels
The second try on our PBL!
Why We Started Over
We had to start over on our PBL project because our first invention, well, failed. It failed for two reasons:
#1-people would have to buy more than one ramp since all their stairs in their houses aren't all the same height
#2-it is actually really expensive for people to take part of their stairs off for a ramp to go in
We knew that we couldn't just continue working on this project, so we decided to pick a ramp that has already been made, and try to make more cost efficient or easier for disabled people to handle. The idea that we ended up using was a ramp that folds up. This will have many benefits, and to make it more beneficial, we added a few of our own tweaks.
Wood
We decided to make the ramp out of wood because it will work almost as well as aluminum, but it heavier. But, the wood is a lot cheaper that aluminum, so the ramps won't be as expensive. Plus, you only have to buy one.
Hinges
The hinges make the wood able to fold, so the ramp is easy to carry. It also is good for storing, because it fold up, making it take up less space.
Edges
The edges on this ramp serve the same purpose as the edges on the last ramp. They help keep the wheelchair's wheels from accidentally sliding off the ramp, so nobody using it accidentally gets hurt.
Wheels
You might not think you need wheels, because you can carry the ramp, but the wheels actually serve a good purpose; if a person in a wheelchair is home with no one else in the house, or no one is around to help them, they can push the ramp across floor so they don't have to try to pick it up.
Handles
The handles help you get a good grip on the ramp when you are carrying it, which makes it a lot less difficult.
No-Skid Surface
The no-skid surface puts a lot of friction between the ramp and the wheels of the wheelchair, so the chair will not slide down the ramp, and they will be able to go up easier.