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About the solution
He was always an inventor at heart. When he was a teenager, he came up with a design for an electronic gadget to help blind people from his community to see. However, “an (inventor) who doesn’t get down on the same level (as the people for which his is designing) is not likely to be very successful,” Ralf said.
After an accident in 1966, Ralf became paraplegic. This inspired him to re-invent the wheelchair. He wanted to develop a wheelchair that would work in every environment and that would also be accessible to anyone.
During a trip to Nicaragua, in the late 70s, the engineer met three young men who shared the same wheelchair, as they couldn’t afford one for each. One of them asked Ralf to help him fix his high-tech wheelchair, battered from the rugged terrain. This also motivated Ralf to start teaching wheelchair riders how to build and maintain wheelchairs. Then Ralf co-founded Whirlwind Wheelchair International, which provides riders in third world countries like Kenya, Armenia, Guatemala, with the appropriate transportation for their country, lifestyle, and terrain. While the designs are state-of-the art, all parts are locally made and assembled within the country to keep costs down and maintenance easy.
And then RoughRider was born. It’s a custom-fitted wheelchair. The wide front wheels are made of solid rubber and it’s an open-source device, which is constantly revised with feedback from users from developing countries.
People from over 40 countries are using this solution, since 1980. It’s a reliable wheelchair aimed to help disabled people from different countries and conditions who can’t afford a traditional wheelchair.
Adapted from: https://myhero.com/Ralf_Hotchkiss_05
More info: https://whirlwindwheelchair.org/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9gAh2NIdCI
This solution shall not include mention to the use of drugs, chemicals or biologicals (including food); invasive devices; offensive, commercial or inherently dangerous content. This solution was not medically validated. Proceed with caution! If you have any doubts, please consult with a health professional.
DISCLAIMER: This story was written by someone who is not the author of the solution, therefore please be advised that, although it was written with the utmost respect for the innovation and the innovator, there can be some incorrect statements. If you find any errors please contact the patient Innovation team via info@patient-innovation.com
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I'VE PATENTED A MACHINERY THAT ALLOWS TO PHYSYCALLY IMPAIRED TO WALK :)
WALKING WITH A WALKING AID: Walking with a walking aid
WALKING: Walking
MOVING IN A WHEELCHAIR: Moving using a wheelchair.
Muscular Dystrophy
Muscle Tone Abnormalities
Brain Injury (Abscess, Brain Barrier Defect, Brain Contusion, Brain Hemorrhage, Brain Edema)
Neuromuscular Disorders
Cerebral Palsy
Walking Aid (wheelchair/walker/crutches)
Assistive Daily Life Device (to help ADL)
Difficulty coordinating movements
Stiffness or rigidity (difficulty moving)
Paralysis of the legs and lower body
Muscle weakness
Restoring mobility
Managing Neurological Disorders
Preventing (Vaccination, Protection, Falls, Research/Mapping)
General and Family Medicine
Medical Genetics
Neurology
Orthopedics
Pediatrics
Italy
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5344
Tetraplegic invents Portable bottle holder system
(SELF)-CARE: DRINKING: Drinking independently.
MOVING IN A WHEELCHAIR: Moving using a wheelchair.
Spinal Cord and Nerve Root Disorders
Cervical spinal cord injury/Tetraplegia
Walking Aid (wheelchair/walker/crutches)
Assistive Daily Life Device (to help ADL)
Difficulty coordinating movements
Stiffness or rigidity (difficulty moving)
Paralysis of the legs and lower body
Muscle weakness
Restoring mobility
Managing Neurological Disorders
Preventing (Vaccination, Protection, Falls, Research/Mapping)
Neurology
Belgium
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243
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3313
Tetraplegic invents mobility device to help him stand up
MOVING IN A WHEELCHAIR: Moving using a wheelchair.
WALKING WITH A WALKING AID: Walking with a walking aid
BODY BALANCE: Maintaining body balance
Spinal Cord and Nerve Root Disorders
Paralysis
Cerebral Palsy
Neuromuscular Disorders
Cervical spinal cord injury/Tetraplegia
Assistive Daily Life Device (to help ADL)
Walking Aid (wheelchair/walker/crutches)
Assistive Technology access
Muscle cramps or spasms
Difficulty coordinating movements
Stiffness or rigidity (difficulty moving)
Paralysis of the legs and lower body
Muscle weakness
Restoring mobility
Managing Neurological Disorders
Enhancing Mental Health
Maintaining Balance and Mobility
Preventing (Vaccination, Protection, Falls, Research/Mapping)
General and Family Medicine
Neurology
Orthopedics
Israel
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