Sphere Chair | All In One Wheelchair

30 August, 2012 UniversalDesignStyle

Sphere Chair Wheelchair — Image: Allen Chester G. Zhang via {a href=”http://www.yankodesign.com/2012/08/24/modern-mobility-with-super-versatility/” target=”_blank”}Yanko Design{/a}

By now you’ve probably seen commercials for the Dyson Ball vacuum. The vacuum touts it’s flexibility in movement with it’s rolling ball base. Designer Allen Chester G. Zhang took that flexibility and applied it to his concept Sphere Chair wheelchair. A wheelchair that can also transform and allow the user to crouch, stand, and lie down.

Get The Ball Rolling
To first describe the Sphere Chair you have to start with the sphere. Well really more of a wide tire with a curved tread. Hubs on the side then form the overall sphere shape. Two smaller wheels located in the rear keep the wheelchair balanced. One advantage of a center ball over side wheels is overall width. Standard wheelchairs are about 30 inches in width. But without side wheels the Sphere Chair is only 24″ in width. Making it easier to get through narrow doorways.

On The Ball
On top of the ball is a cushioned seat which is attached to the ball by four actuating arms. The arms keep the seat level even if the ball rolls and leans in different directions. A “U” shaped armrest is then mounted from the seat back. Hinges are located between the seat and seat back and where the knees bend.

Ball Control
Built into the armrest are the controls for the Sphere Chair. A joystick and buttons for the different positions. Moving straight forward or backwards I imagine would be powered by the ball while turning is controlled by the rear wheels.

Positions
To get into the standing position, the ball would rotate forward while the leg rests and seat back straighten out. For crouching, the ball would again rotate forward while the leg rest extends outward. Lying down would simply be accomplished with the seat back going down and the leg rests coming up.

Conclusion
Sphere Chair would take quite a bit of prototyping to ever become real but it would be possible. I would also like to see some straps for the footrest and side guards for the lying position to prevent from rolling off. Otherwise this flexible and versatile wheelchair would be cool to see in real life.