Scopus İndeksli Yayınlar Koleksiyonu / Scopus Indexed Publications Collection
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/11147/7148
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Article Design, Prototyping and Tests of a Rollable Ramp for Temporary Use(Springer, 2021) Doğan Kumtepe, Elvan; Kiper, GökhanPortable ramps, used generally by wheelchair users, offer temporary solution to increase accessibility and mobility. Preferably these ramps should be compact and lightweight for ease of handling and storage. Different types of portable ramps in the market that are used by wheelchair users are generally made of aluminum and require several improvements, especially in terms of lightweight and compactness. Based on wheelchair users’ inclinations a compact and lightweight rollable ramp is designed in this study. A parametric model of the links of the ramp are derived and the rolled geometry is optimized using convex hull and smallest enclosing circle algorithms. The side bars of the links are designed and manufactured from aluminum and the load-bearing panels are manufactured from sandwich composite structures with honeycomb core. Strength calculations are performed analytically and also with finite-element analysis. After the design is finalized, a prototype is manufactured. The designed ramp is 15.4% more compact and has 18.9% less weight compared to the best rival product available in the market. Load tests and functional tests are performed with voluntary wheelchair users. Several positive feedbacks are received from the participants about the ramp being practical, easy to use and store, lightweight, advantage of the anti-slip surface.Article Citation - WoS: 4Citation - Scopus: 4Design Based Exploration of Medical System Adoption: Case of Wheelchair Ramps(Elsevier, 2021) Doğan Kumtepe, Elvan; Çorbacıoğlu, Eda; Başoğlu, Ahmet Nuri; Daim, Tuğrul Ünsal; Shaygan, AmirThis study focuses on the exploration of wheelchair users' expectations from portable ramps and their adoption factors, then correspondingly offers a smart mass customization design tool. Briefly, portable ramps are generally used by wheelchair users, and provide a temporary solution to increase accessibility in their daily lives. In this research, a rollable ramp was examined as this prototype was developed in a prior funded research and thesis study. Our aim in this study is to explore the critical factors of satisfaction of users' and potential users' of portable ramps. To maximize the usability of portable ramp in various outdoor/indoor spaces and physical structures, an efficient permutation of flexible/adjustable components is offered. The research includes flexibility and customization and many external factors effective for adoption of portable ramp. In this context, three research methods were applied; semi structured-face-to-face interviews, observation, and experimental study. The constructs of the survey were extracted from literature and patent reviews then refined during observation and interviews. Wheelchair users answered a web-based survey with multiple constructs. The survey uncovered that personalization, flexibility, extension capability, and cost is critical. As well, users prefer the chance to try the model before purchasing. The effort needed to carry and learn how to use the ramp seems to be one of the key factors. It is also found that the user's life style and product match has an effect on adoption. At the end of the study, a smart mass customization design tool will be developed, which potential users or sales representatives are able to easily interact with in order to customize the portable ramp. © 2021 Elsevier LtdArticle Citation - WoS: 7Citation - Scopus: 9A Smart Mass Customization Design Tool: a Case Study of a Portable Ramp for Wheelchair Users(Springer Verlag, 2020) Doğan Kumtepe, Elvan; Başoğlu, Ahmet Nuri; Çorbacıoğlu, Eda; Daim, Tuğrul Ünsal; Shaygan, AmirPortable ramps are generally used by wheelchair users, provide temporary solution to increase accessibility in their daily lives. Portable ramps should allow for modifications in terms of weight, length, load bearing capacity, ease of handling, storage and further design parameters. Different types of portable ramps can be found in the market; however, their modifications cannot go beyond just length modification, or they allow to select just some restricted width options. However, portable ramps are quite suitable for mass customization concept which helps to satisfy customer while being involved in design step. This study aims to determine the wheelchair users' expectations and correspondingly to offer a smart mass customization design tool which potential users are able to interact with easily. To this end, a case study is conducted with a rollable ramp which is designed and developed within the scope of 1512 - Entrepreneurship Multi-phase Programme (Teknogirisim Sermaye Destegi Programi) of The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TuBITAK). The methodology and its implementation are described elaborately, and example of a parametric smart customization tool design are illustrated in this study. First, the preliminary study is explained briefly. Afterward, the desired modification parameters are determined with literature and patent survey as well as observation and interviews with the potential users. After systematic review and evaluation of user experiences, the model is assessed.