Wheelchair Camera Mount
Duration: 5 Days
Canary Designs works closely with the local Remap Panel to support the local community. Remap is a charity which custom-makes equipment for disabled people live more independent lives when there is nothing commercially available. The charity has experience in helping people for over 50 years, and they now have 900 skilled volunteers across the country.
Brief:
The case involved working with a client which is in a wheelchair and wishes to use his camera equipment to capture aircraft at air shows and events. They have previously attempted to makeshift with a selfie stick that has been modified, however it was deemed to not be very useable as it did not offer them the versatility which they wanted and was difficult to operate.
Method
An initial site visit was arranged to the client, this opportunity was used to gather key anthropometric data on the client and the wheelchair in order to recreate it in a virtual environment. During the visit potential areas for mounting the solution was considered along with gathering more information on the client’s goals and overall situation.
Research was conducted into the client’s camera equipment to understand whether they can support wireless connectivity, HDMI live outputs etc. as initial ideas involved using a remote screen and phone to control camera. However, this was not possible, therefore alternative solutions were considered, before going through iterations and developing the idea further.
A prototype was fabricated to test with the client in order to gain some feedback, and through this visit it was found they wished to have the camera mounted across their legs. This proposed a problem as it would obstruct his ingress and egress from the chair making it a hazard. Therefore, several ideas were considered on how to make it safe, this shows the design double diamond model in action.
First Prototype
Deciding on the final system to enable the client’s ingress and egress in an emergency, we commissioned a fabricator to build the final model. The main body of the system has been removed from an existing tripod, while the remaining sections are custom made.
Animation
This is an animation of the wheelchair solution in a virtual space, showing the full range of movement of the camera mount and postures required to use it.
Future Proofing and Support
The original prototype has been constrained to the existing camera system preferred by the end user. However, Canary Designs have also explored camera systems that would be more optimal when the time comes for the end user to upgrade their equipment. We have trialled a Go Pro 5 wirelessly linked to a tablet mounted on the original camera support. This enables the end user to adopt a more comfortable posture when adjusting the camera view and settings via the tablet.
REMAP Volunteers Required
The North Wales REMAP team are looking for designers and engineers who can volunteer their time to help with bridging the gap between the end user requirements and the current off the shelf solutions.
“We design and make unique pieces of special equipment that are given free to people who need them when the mainstream services are unable to help.
The work is interesting and varied. It can be challenging, and is always rewarding. You will need to carry out most of the work at home as we have no central facilities, but you will be very much part of a team whose other members, including health workers, will support and help you.
You will be fully insured.
You will need good inter-personal skills to interact with our clients and have access to your own transport to reach clients who may sometimes live in out-of-the way places.
On average, each volunteer will have about one case per month. Your out-of-pocket expenses (travel and material costs) will be refunded.” John Hill – Secretary North Wales REMAP Group.
To find out more visit the REMAP volunteers page: https://www.remap.org.uk/volunteering/
Testimonials
I am Chair of the North East Wales Panel of Remap, we design and make “Bespoke Equipment” for the disabled, John approached us about Gary working alongside our volunteer Engineers during his stay for a month spread over the year, we accepted his offer and agreed for that to happen.
John and Gary came to our Monthly meeting in September and I can say he immediately settled in, introduced himself and not only listened to our discussions relating to ongoing work but asked questions showing an interest in what we do.
Gary, a very polite likeable chap who has displayed a good work ethic and is keen to make the best of his time with us. In the short time he has been with us he has impressed everyone with his knowledge and the ideas he puts forward for consideration.
When he has been with an Engineer to see clients regarding our work, he always has empathy with them regarding their issues and always eager to attempt to resolve them and improve their lives.
I was the Project Manager responsible for converting decommissioned areas into storage facilities for storing drums of radioactive waste at Bradwell Decommissioning Site. John Lovegrove was appointed to add his expertise and insight into supporting the Project. John used his area of expertise to add value and focus into the delivery of the best solutions. John was a valuable member of the team with a gift for highlighting the often overlooked items in the early stages. Measure twice cut once.
I wish to express my thanks and appreciation to John Lovegrove of Canary Designs for the professional and knowledgeable commitment provided in a challenging legal claim arising out of a work-related upper limb disorder.
It was extremely helpful to have an expert in this specialist field of work who could produce a technical and detailed report very quickly. Indeed, I am sure that Mr Lovegrove’s investigation and report was a pivotal factor in the success of my client’s claim.
I would highly recommend Canary Designs.
John and Canary Designs were called in to help us assess the ergonomics of our workplace in light of the repetitive nature of many of our laboratory activities. They spent time in the laboratory videoing activities and talking through tasks with the staff to ensure that they thoroughly understood them. As a result they were able to recommend a number of very practical, targeted alterations that we have since implemented and which have transformed the way that we work. We were very happy with the service we received and would definitely use them again in the future.