Max Le Moine
Industrial Design Student
Origami-Inspired Ramp
Work for Universidad EAFIT, Medellín, Colombia
Summer 2024, 4 Months
In my second internship during my Industrial Design studies, I had the opportunity to work with Universidad EAFIT in Medellín, Colombia. In my internship, I worked with the Projecto de Estructuras Origami (Origami Structures Project) team to research ways Origami can be applied to Industrial Design.
In this project, combined the knowledge of Origami-Inspired and Inclusive Design, I designed a folding wheelchair ramp. Please read more to see how these concepts were combined in a design process. This report will cover my design process.
Problem Statement
Inclusive and Accessible design has become increasingly popular over the past few years. However, it is still common for businesses to be inaccessible (with stairs to the main entrance, etc.) leaving persons using wheelchairs/wheelchair users excluded from many activities. To help this issue, folding ramps have been designed to help wheelchairs up vertical gaps. Current ramps on the market often are large and hard to transport. Origami-inspired design will be explored in this project to help this problem by creating a wheelchair ramp that folds more efficiently.
Secondary Research
Academic Sources
As I come from an Industrial Design Background, I needed to do some secondary research on Origami-Inspired design and Engineering before a new concept was designed. In addition, Foldable Ramp and Inclusive design was also investigated to incorporate inclusive design into the project. Please click Literature Review to see my full research analysis organized in the order in which each resource was introduced to the design team.
Market Analysis
Cost: $1.3112,046 COP - 1.862.259 COP
Length(s): x Width: 30 - 138 x 86 cm
Main Material: Wood
Height Range: 5 - 23 cm
Weight: 14 Kg
Stop Gap Ramp (StopGap.ca, n.d.-c, Fig. 2)
To further understand foldable ramps, I compared the foldable ramps already available. Please note, that currency exchange from Colombian Pesos (COP), United States Dollars (USD), and British Pounds Sterling (GBP) to Canadian Dollars (CAD) was made on August 12, 2024.
VNN Portable Wheelchair Ramp 5FT
(Amazon & VNN).
Cost: $274.58 CAD
Length(s): x Width: 152.4 x 74.17 cm
Weight Capacity: 272.16 Kg
Number of Panels: 4
Main Material: Polyethylene Terephthalate (P.E.T.)
Height Range: 12.7 - 38.1 cm
Weight: 13.61 Kg
Folding Wheelchair Ramp 2ft - 8ft (The Ramp People)
Cost: $141.24 - $382.18 CAD
Length(s): x Width: 30 - 138 x 86 cm
Weight Capacity: 300 Kg
Number of Panels: 2
Main Material: Aluminum
Height Range: 10 - 40.5 cm
Weight: 4.2 - 20.96 Kg
6FT Folding Aluminum Wheelchair Ramp for Home (Amazon & Bejoni).
Cost: $300.66 CAD
Length(s): x Width: 182.5 x 74 cm
Weight Capacity: 272.16 Kg
Number of Panels: 4
Main Material: Aluminum
Height Range: 18.29 - 45.72 cm
Weight: 16.33 Kg
Suitcase Ramp 3ft (EssentialAids)
Cost: $141.07 CAD
Length(s): x Width: 91 x 74 cm
Weight Capacity: 272 Kg
Number of Panels: 2
Main Material: Aluminum
Height Range: 15.17 cm
Weight: 7.9 Kg
Project Definition
Once the Primary Research was completed, it was analyzed into a User Persona and Critical Project Drivers as described below.
User Persona
Person who uses a wheelchair/wheelchair user
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19 to 30 years old;
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Uses a wheelchair/cannot walk;
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Lives in an urban region;
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Likes to go to restaurants with friends;
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Needs to get their wheelchair into restaurants that don't have a barrier-free entrance;
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Wants to own a ramp they can self deploy; and
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Doesn't have many funds/access to financial support for medical devices.
They use a Permobile M1 Power Wheelchair with the following specifications:
Max user weight: 300lb (136 Kg)
Base Width: 24" (63 cm)
Base Length: 35.5" (90.2 cm)
Ground clearance: 3" (8 cm)
Weight with Batteries: 319lb (145 Kg)
Concepts
After project parameters were established, concepts were created to ideate around design solutions. As shown below, many different ideas were sketched and analyzed.
Concept 1 (A and B)
For my first concept, I designed a ramp attached to/deployed from the user’s footrest as shown in Figure 2.
This uses a set of panels that deploy in a “zig-zag” pattern attached with hinges. To ensure the ramp stays locked (unfolded) in its deployed position, counter hinges inspired by (Solís-Santomé et al., 2019) were developed. These counter hinges are mounted in alternating directions (as shown on the left) for mountain (going up) and valley (going down) folds.
Concept 1 Fold Patterns and Hinge Sketches
In addition, the sides of the ramp are designed to fold upwards, perpendicular to the main folding motion which also locks the system in place. Please see a prototype of this concept below.
Origami Paper Prototype Unfolded
Origami Paper Prototype Folded
Origami Paper Prototype Deployed
Concept 1A is 360 cm long while concept 1B is 60 cm long as they are designed for 2 steps (40 cm high) and a curb (7.5 cm high) respectively.
Concept 2
To make use of the multifunctionality of Origami, concept 2 blends a canopy and ramp shown in below. Panels are designed to be folded up and above a wheelchair with electric motor actuation. In this case, the back of the wheelchair would be used to attach a mounting system using mounting points.
Figure 5: Concept 2 Sketches
In terms of folding, 3 folds are used which allows the ramp to be transformed from a ramp to a canopy. In addition, 4 folds (see to the right) to reduce the ramp width while folded.
Concept 2 Folding Pattern
It is important to note that this design will raise the wheelchair’s center of gravity and should effect the wheelchair negatively, especially in windy weather conditions. Due to physical constraints, Concept 2 is 360 cm long and can maneuver a wheelchair up 2 steps or 40 cm.
Concept 3 (a and b)
Thinking of ways to help persons in wheelchairs deploy/stow the ramp, I was inspired by Melancon and colleagues to turn to inflatable origam (Melancon et al., 2021). This uses chamber(s) that inflate or contract to actuate the movement of panels as shown below.
Concept 3a Sketches
Concept 3b Sketches
The panels would be connected with the use of flexible material hinges. In addition to the product, a portable air pump would be needed to be designed/used for the system to work. Concept 3 is divided into 2 variations, A and B, that are 360 cm and 60 cm long respectively.
Concept Analysis
Using the CPDs, a decision-making matrix was prepared to evaluate each concept against one another. Here I set up measuring criteria for each CPD. A total of 15 points were given to each category and divided between each of the 5 concepts (1A, 1B, 2, 3A, and 3B).
As a result, concept 1a scored the most points (44) overall with concept 1b in second (43 points), and concept 3b in third (35 points) From these results, concept 1 and 3 were considered for further exploration. This conclusion was further confirmed with the use of primary data as described below.
Concept 1a
(44 Points)
Concept 1b
(43 Points)
Concept 3b
(35 Points)
Design Shift
Before I entered the Final Design phase of this project, I used primary and secondary reaserch to make critical alterations in my design. As shown below, these design shifts re-focused the product towards Origami.
Portability
From the Concept Analysis, Concept 1B and 3B scored well due to their smaller size and portability. Even though this means the product cannot be used for taller gaps, a shorter ramp would be lighter and cheaper.
To assist in the transportation of the product, designers researched and came up with ways to have the product fit into a bag for transportation. Bags or sacks are often used to assist the transportation of foldable products such as chairs shown in below. Even though this report does not include the design of a bag, this design decision had a major impact on the product’s design.
MEC Base Camp Deluxe Padded Loveseat – Unfolded (Mountain Equipment Company).
MEC Base Camp Deluxe Padded Loveseat – Folded (Mountain Equipment Company).
Manufacturing Research
To allow for water drainage, I first considered putting drainage holes in sheet metal to stop rain from pooling. However, an additional slip-resistant finish would need to be added – adding cost. Stretched metal walkways (as shown below) were then researched to find an alternative (GT Wire Mesh, 2008).
Expanded Mesh Walkway (GT Wire Mesh, 2008, Fig. 1)
Technical Sketch of Ramp Design with Expanded Mesh in a Diamond Pattern
Final Design
After the design details were refined, the designer modeled the product in Blender to further refine and communicate the product (Blender, 2024). This allowed technical details to be brought to life while continuing making design improvements.
Added Elements
One feature added to the design while modeling was locking hinges for the sides. This ensures the system is stable in its deployed state. To unlock the hinge, users can lift the sides over a protrusion as shown on the right Hand holes were added to the sides to help with this operation.
Hinge Use Cycle
While designing the side panels, cutouts were made so users can easily access the fasteners for the hinges as shown on the left. This means that users can easily add or remove sections of the ramp to make it longer or shorter. Users are able to adapt the ramp to meet their needs.
Render of the Ramp Showing its Bolts
Communication
Renders and animations were then created to display the design intent. Please see the studio rendering and animation.
Computer Animation of the Ramp in a White Studio Environment
Computer Rendering of the Ramp in a Blue Studio Environment
References
Amazon, & Bejoni. (n.d.). 6FT Folding Aluminum Wheelchair Ramp for Home, 600 lbs Capacity, Non-Skid Portable Ramp, Folding Ramp for Wheelchairs, Ramp for Wheelchairs for Home, Steps, Stairs, Doorways. Retrieved May 30, 2024, from https://www.amazon.com/BEJONI-Aluminum-Wheelchair-Wheelchairs-Threshold/dp/B09CL8RGKV/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.eRTX7UR0NtW6mDFG9G5M_9H6mviuFl-hjgheT36ieOViM_9lvJ8UYruij_rauzFzqENWla6yPTqfLjYasDPe0etYdaDkTweH9MSfeWTnnz26jmNRhh2DfJVkms-mGS0CaKK73lHVhb5MOFhghecSbbQZx8xCxlynxWrXhZn7KgTLNkRI9GPnO3HDBdlrDMQUjeR-F7c33ocJHFiUO9Hv1ZBE94snM2hRuEsHYrjvPhhVyNS57ejo8nQNL4XvGFdAUNn-JLU1z4k2qZ4wAUMx9tgNBJp6abfod309M7eAQs.tqP8W28XTcgcRhAtmcXQi_HIQ7SfTVY2MGTiBKzqSFo&dib_tag=se&keywords=Folding%2BRamps&qid=1717101069&sr=8-2spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1&language=en_US¤cy=COP
Amazon, & VNN. (n.d.). VNN Portable Wheelchair Ramp 5FT, Non-Slip Aluminum Folding Handicap Ramp, Door Threshold Wheelchair Ramps for Home, Wheel Chair Ramp for Home Steps, Scooter Ramp for Car, Doorways, Stairs. Retrieved May 30, 2024, from https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BQVYFKPV/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?pd_rd_i=B0BQVYFKPV&pd_rd_w=rjdtf&content-id=amzn1.sym.eb7c1ac5-7c51-4df5-ba34-ca810f1f119a&pf_rd_p=eb7c1ac5-7c51-4df5-ba34-ca810f1f119a&pf_rd_r=2NNDAG4BMFQ4AJX1KCHH&pd_rd_wg=AWysj&pd_rd_r=395777e3-28c0-4cfd-98ec-f04589554dcb&s=kitchen&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw&th=1
Blender. (2024). Blender 4.2 LTS. Blender.org
Chung, H.-J., Parsons, A. M., & Zheng, L. (2020). Magnetically Controlled Soft Robotics Utilizing Elastomers and Gels in Actuation: A Review. Advanced Intelligent Systems, 3(3), 2000186.
EssentialAids. (n.d.). Suitcase Ramp 3ft. https://www.essentialaids.com/mobility/folding-wheelchair-ramps/suitcase-ramp-3ft.html
Government of Ontario. (2024, April 10). O. Reg. 332/12: Building Code. https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/120332
GT Wire Mesh. (2008). Expanded Walkway Mesh. https://www.gaitemetalmesh.com/products/expanded-walkway-mesh.html
Kalbag, L. (2017). Accessibility for Everyone (1st edition). A Book Apart. https://www.amazon.ca/Accessibility-Everyone-Laura-Kalbag/dp/1937557618/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VNkYo2Pyn5HC5w0Hi1XaWCbZT3HiO3lU_jUP2Gp_8dwRPJs1mOWSnP7KsIrspuT8Ea37bL_yXSqTmshPSrVDw4NE6wSk0QIVfIsfcE_3wo4fDRQyWnveTm9I6Ep-5YdYsC9m_wYzTat32QgIUXIUWz3AqlO9LJdArqaL1kW-0FB0I-zy-R7bdirQUQxff7pA1azQxeHvb46SDLTlPdfeGfGDZlqU42wd6uB48h39eOVYeuel_HLItrpgd25i8r7EoBXnXN3WBw7kEKts6gqTmGNv5uMCVybknBQ83BLxkLg.QuZ7Eu5oBes3qslyrY8a0rRSXgwvONf3XzcbDEZCGB0&dib_tag=se&hvadid=667799319760&hvdev=c&hvlocint=9000676&hvlocphy=9198949&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14793889664087786875&hvtargid=kwd-431792862667&hydadcr=27648_14705428&keywords=accessibility+for+everyone&qid=1720713761&sr=8-1
Kumtepe, E. D., Başoğlu, A. N., Çorbacıoğlu, E., Daim, T. U., & Shaygan, A. (2020). A Smart Mass Customization Design Tool: A Case Study of a Portable Ramp for Wheelchair Users. Health and Technology, 10, 723–737. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12553-019-00400-w
Kumtepe, E. D., Çorbacıoğlu, E., Başoğlu, A. N., Daim, T. U., & Shaygan, A. (2021). Design based exploration of medical system adoption: Case of wheelchair ramps. Technology in Society, 66(101620), 11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2021.101620
Lang, R. (2008, February). The math and magic of origami [Video recording]. TED Talks. https://www.ted.com/talks/robert_lang_the_math_and_magic_of_origami
Melancon, D., Gorissen, B., García-Mora, C. J., Hoberman, C., & Bertoldi, K. (2021). Multistable inflatable origami structures at the metre scale. Nature, 592(7855), 545–550. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03407-4
Meloni, M., Zhang, Q., Pak, J., Bilore, M. N., Ma, R., Ballegaard, E., Lee, D. S.-H., & Cai, J. (2022). Designing origami tessellations composed of quadrilateral meshes and degree-4 vertices for engineering applications. Automation in Construction, 142, 104482. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2022.104482
Motion. (n.d.). M1 Power Wheelchair. Retrieved May 30, 2024, from https://motioncares.ca/product/permobil-m1-power-wheelchair/
Mountain Equipment Company. (n.d.). MEC Base Camp Deluxe Padded Loveseat. Retrieved July 8, 2024, from https://www.mec.ca/en/product/6024-969/base-camp-deluxe-padded-loveseat
Oru Kayak. (2022, June 21). Oru Kayak Lake Folding Kayak Assembly Video | Lightweight Origami Kayak that Fits Anywhere [Video recording]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17VzEZwHR1g
Solís-Santomé, A., Urriolagoitia-Sosa, G., Romero-Ángeles, B., Torres-San Miguel, C. R., Hernández-Gómez, J. J., Medina-Sánchez, I., Couder-Castañeda, C., Grageda-Arellano, J. I., & Urriolagoitia-Calderón, G. (2019). Conceptual design and finite element method validation of a new type of self-locking hinge for deployable CubeSat solar panels. Advances in Mechanical Engineering, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/1687814018823116
StopGap.ca. (n.d.-a). FAQs. Retrieved May 30, 2024, from https://stopgap.ca/faqs/#:~:text=Our%20ramps%20are%20made%20to,design%20length%20increases%20by%206%E2%80%9D.
StopGap.ca. (n.d.-b). Request a Ramp. Retrieved May 30, 2024, from https://stopgap.ca/get-involved/request-a-ramp/
StopGap.ca. (n.d.-c). StopGap.ca. Retrieved May 30, 2024, from https://stopgap.ca
The Ramp People. (n.d.). Folding Wheelchair Ramp 2ft—8ft. Retrieved June 6, 2024, from https://www.theramppeople.co.uk/wheelchair-ramps-folding-multi-option
World Health Organization. (2016). Assistive Product Specification for Procurement—Portable Ramps. https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/assistive-technology-2/aps/mobility/aps14-portable-ramps-oc-use.pdf?sfvrsn=456c069_2