TriPawd Dog Wheelchair

Press Kit

Unique Properties

This project was to design an assistive device that will help 3 legs-handicapped dogs walk and stand on their own. Two large rear wheels were used to improve both the stability and mobility of the device, while a front small wheel on the metal tube frame connecting the two wheels provided strong support for the chest cup. The bent metal frame provided just enough space for the dog to walk without any interference of his legs. The pole is height-adjustable for different sizes of dogs.

Dimensions & Packaging

685 mm x 630 mm x 550 mm

Tags

Handicapped dog, dog wheelchair, animal assistive device, product design, product innovation

Production Technology

Bent metal frame, fiberglass chest cup

Design Challenge

One key aspect while collecting measurements of the dog is that dogs don’t understand what is happening in the same way human subjects would understand. Another challenging factor was that animals are not able to communicate and provide the same level of feedback as a human, regarding comfortability and overall effectiveness of the device. Since it was such a huge challenge to measure the accurate size and shape of the dog’s upper body, the designer produced a series of different-sized chest cups, followed by the repetition of measurements.

Project Duration

The project started in July 2019 in Tempe, Arizona, U.S, and finished in December 2020.

Operation Flow

This device helps 3 legs-handicapped dogs walk and stand on their own for longer periods of time without any assistance from the owners.

Research

This project introduces the design and development of a new assistive wheeled product for handicapped dogs. The device is specifically targeted for a 5-year-old mastiff who lost one of his front legs due to a gunshot accident in California, U.S. This study involves research, design, and usability testing with a series of working prototypes on the dog.

Inspiration

Sadly, the dog had no bone structure left due to his left front leg being completely removed from surgery. Because of this, the design direction was focused on a wheeled type of mobility device called a dog wheelchair due to its similar functionality to a human wheelchair. This device allows the dog to jump on and off easily without any strapping mechanisms on his body. This will also allow the dog to sit and lie down freely without his owner’s assistance.

Image Credits

Image #1: Creator, Dosun Shin, 2020.
Optional Image #1: Creator, Dosun Shin, 2020.
Optional Image #2: Creator, Dosun Shin, 2020.
Optional Image #3: Photographer, Dosun Shin, 2020.
Optional Image #4: Photographer, Dosun Shin, 2020.

Colors of TriPawd Dog Wheelchair

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