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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.


For those unfamiliar with Origami Inspire design, is a current popular trend in engineering. Historically, Origami is an art form of paper folding originating from Ancient Japan. In the 20th century, artist Akira Yoshizawa gave birth to a new era of origami designs which has been further developed by engineers (Lang, 2008). Using mathematics, researchers have created principles to apply this art to design applications. Origami-inspired design has been developed in many areas, including, but not limited to: biomedical engineering, biomimetic engineering, architecture, robotics, metamaterials, and space structures (Meloni et al., 2022).


Another design approach that I explored was Inclusive and Accessible design which was brought by the Disability Rights movement (Kalbag, 2017). This encourages designers to make products more usable for everyone while making the design process more inclusive to a variety of stakeholders. Many Inclusive practices were considered in my project.


In order to combine 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.

A black and yellow foldable ramp leaning against a step to a door with a brick wall and a glass door.

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
A red triangular shaped ramp leading to a door in a city environment.

Stop Gap Ramp (StopGap.ca, n.d.-c, Fig. 2)

My initial exploration into ramps started with an exploration of the Canadian organization, StopGap [13]. This non-profit organization builds custom-made ramps for businesses to make their storefront accessible. With the help of Origami, I wanted to reverse this concept where the ramp would be bought by a person using a wheelchair to bring to inaccessible store fronts. Please see specifications of StopGaps’ ramp [13], [14].
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

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.

A folding ramp consisiting of 4 silver, black and yelow panels. The ramp is leaning to the left in a white backround.

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 (Amazon & VNN, n.d., Fig. 1).

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

a folded 2 pannel ramp laying on a white backround. There is also a word mark saying The Ramp People.

Folding Wheelchair Ramp 2ft - 8ft (The Ramp People, Fig. 1)

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

A folding ramp consisiting of 4 silver, black and yelow panels. The ramp is leaning to the right in a white backround.

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 (Amazon & Bejoni, n.d., Fig. 1).

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

a folded 2 pannel ramp laying on its side on a white backround. The Ramp has a large handle.

Suitcase Ramp 3ft (EssentialAids, Fig. 1)

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

  • 19 to 30 years old;

  • Uses a wheelchair/cannot walk;

  • Lives in an urban region;

  • Likes to go to restaurants with friends;

  • Needs to get their wheelchair into restaurants that don't have a barrier-free entrance;

  • Wants to own a ramp they can self deploy; and

  • Doesn't have many funds/access to financial support for medical devices.

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They use a Permobile M1 Power Wheelchair with the following specifications (Motion, n.d.):

 

 

 


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)

A Black large power wheelchair on a white backround.
Critical Project Drivers

M1 Powerchair (Motion, n.d.)

A CPD document is used in Industrial design to set out important items to include and look for throughout a design project while evolving with the design. Please see the CPDs and how they changed in Appendix A and B.

June 24, 2024

Must-Have

  1. Origami – Use Origami-Inspired Design to make the ramp portable and easy to deploy/stow.

  2. Time to completion – The project will be completed in 6 weeks on August 2, 2024.

  3. Legislative Requirement – Ramp must comply with ISO 9999: Assistive Products for Persons with Disability (World Health Organization, 2016)

  4. Height Requirement (1) – The device must be able to safely help a wheelchair up a 7.5 cm curb/gap (Government of Ontario, 2024).

  5. Weatherability – holes must be included to prevent water pooling. The structure must also be able to handle windy conditions.

  6. Software – Design must be conducted with open-source software.

 

Should-Have

  1. Price – The product should have an MSRP between $200 CAD ($606.665 COP) and $350 CAD (COP 1.061.665).

  2. Operation – The product should be able to be operated by a person using a wheelchair/wheelchair user. It should not be difficult to understand how to use the product.

  3. Height Requirement (2) – The device must be able to safely help a wheelchair 2 steps or 40 cm as per (Government of Ontario, 2024).

  4. Adaptability – The product should be able to accommodate multiple gap heights and meet different user requirements.

  5. Material – Aluminum should be mainly used due to its physical and economic (low-cost) properties.

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Nice-to-Have

  1. Connection – The product should be able to connect to a wheelchair easily.

  2. Height Requirement (3) – The device must be able to safely help a wheelchair up 3 steps or 60 cm as per (Government of Ontario, 2024).

July 18, 2024

Must-Have

  1. Origami – Use Origami-Inspired Design to make the ramp portable and easy to deploy/stow.

  2. Time to completion – The project will be completed in 2 weeks on August 2, 2024.

  3. Legislative Requirement – The ramp must comply with ISO 9999: Assistive Products for Persons with Disability (World Health Organization, 2016)

  4. Height Requirement – The device must be able to safely help a wheelchair up a 7.5 cm curb/gap as per (Government of Ontario, 2024).

  5. Weatherability – holes must be included to prevent water pooling. The structure must also be able to handle windy conditions.

  6. Software – Design must be conducted with open-source software.

  7. Portability – The product must fit in a bag to be transported by foot.

 

Should-Have

  1. Price – The product should have an MSRP between $200 CAD ($584.623 COP) and $350 CAD ($1,023.339) COP.

  2. Operation – The product should be able to be operated by a person using a wheelchair/wheelchair user or a family member/friend. It should not be difficult to understand how to use the product.

  3. Adaptability – The product should be able to accommodate multiple gap heights and meet different user requirements.

  4. Material – Aluminum should be mainly used due to its physical and economic (low-cost) properties.

 

Nice-to-Have

  1. Connection – The product should be able to connect to a wheelchair easily.

  2. Accessory – A carrying bag should be designed for the ramp.

Concepts

After project parameters were established, concepts were created to ideate around design solutions. As shown below, many different ideas were sketched and analyzed.

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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.

Use Cycle including deployment, use, and retrieval of a folding ramp. The ramp is deployed out from a footrest of a wheelchair.

Figure 2: Use Cycle of Concept 1a and 1b

Sketched of folding patterns and hinge information of two ramps. Ramp a is 360 cm ramp with 36 sections and ramp b is 60cm with 6 sections.

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.

A yellow and orange piece of origami paper unfolded.

Origami Paper Prototype Unfolded

A yellow and orange piece of origami paper folded into 4 sections.

Origami Paper Prototype Folded

A yellow and orange piece of origami paper with two sides folded upwards.

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.  

Sketches of a 360 cm ramp that folds up and over a wheelchair to protect it from the rain. There is also a sketch of a wheelchair with mounting points indicated.

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.

A folding pattern for a folding ramp with blue and red lines.

 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.

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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.

A top-down sketch of a long folding ramp with text reading "inflatable sides and ramp or just inflatable sides".

Concept 3a Sketches

A top-down sketch of a short folding ramp with text reading "inflatable sides and ramp or just inflatable sides".

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). Each concept was given a score of 1 or more with the exception to cases where the criteria was 100% not met. Once each category was scored, results where multiplied by there importance; Must-Haves were multiplied by 3, Should-Haves were multiplied by 2, and Nice-to-Haves were multiplied by 1.

 

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.

Primary Research

To further understand the users, a survey was conducted on persons using mobility devices/ mobility device users or their family members. As this audience is a vulnerable population, many ethical considerations were taken into account including Informed Consent information.

 

The survey was designed to gather information on persons using wheelchairs/wheelchair users and their opinion on wheelchair ramps. Once an outline was created, it was submitted to Universidad EAFIT’s comité ética extraordinario (Extraordinary Ethics Committee) for approval. Once feedback was given, the Survey was revised and conducted using Microsoft Forms in English and Spanish. LinkedIn and Instagram were used to advertise the survey and gather participants.

 

The survey results were analyzed and lessons learned were applied to the final Design. Please note, the exact results are not discussed for privacy reasons.

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.

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Portability

First of all, a decision was made to remove Height Requirements (2) and (3). 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. Looking at the folded size of both long and short concepts, it was apparent that a large ramp would be too difficult to maneuver around a city.


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.

Blu and black campin chair for 2 persons on a white backround

MEC Base Camp Deluxe Padded Loveseat – Unfolded (Mountain Equipment Company, n.d., Fig. 1).

A dark blue bag with 1 strap and a draw-string.

MEC Base Camp Deluxe Padded Loveseat – Folded (Mountain Equipment Company, n.d., Fig. 3).

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). This manufacturing technique would be good for this application as it allows water to pass, is slip-resistant, and is mass-manufactured – cost-effective. Hence, the product was re-designed to accommodate this manufacturing technique shown in the technical sketch.

A steel metal mesh or dimond pattern walkay on a grey roof.

Expanded Mesh Walkway (GT Wire Mesh, 2008, Fig. 1)

A technical top and side view of a foldable ramp with a diamond pattern metal surface.

 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.

A sketch of a use cycle where a part is resting, moves up, and rotates 90 degrees clockwise.

Hinge Use Cycle

A close up view of the black and yellow ramp where the silver bolts are showing.

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 black and yellow folding Ramp with 6 sections in a Blue 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&currency=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

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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.

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EssentialAids. (n.d.). Suitcase Ramp 3ft. https://www.essentialaids.com/mobility/folding-wheelchair-ramps/suitcase-ramp-3ft.html

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Government of Ontario. (2024, April 10). O. Reg. 332/12: Building Code. https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/120332

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GT Wire Mesh. (2008). Expanded Walkway Mesh. https://www.gaitemetalmesh.com/products/expanded-walkway-mesh.html

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Motion. (n.d.). M1 Power Wheelchair. Retrieved May 30, 2024, from https://motioncares.ca/product/permobil-m1-power-wheelchair/

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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

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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

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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.

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StopGap.ca. (n.d.-b). Request a Ramp. Retrieved May 30, 2024, from https://stopgap.ca/get-involved/request-a-ramp/

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StopGap.ca. (n.d.-c). StopGap.ca. Retrieved May 30, 2024, from https://stopgap.ca

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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

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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

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