!

!
Wheelchair!Snow!Shovel!Attachment!
!

!
!
!
!

Advisor:!Dr.!Rahul!Rai!

MAE!451!
Group!#!8!!
Memo!2!
October!16,!2015!
Prepared!By:!
!
Dan!Chelius!
Emilie!Reynolds!
Garrett!Rice!
Dwight!Robinson!
Paul!Stathis!!

This%page%was%left%blank%intentionally

!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!

!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!

2!

Table&of&Contents&&
!

Abstract!....4!
1.0!Problem!Statement....5!
2.0!Concept!Generation......5N24!
3.0!Morphological!Matrix!..!10N12!
4.0!Concept!Selection!.!!25N42!
5.0!Revised!Product!Design!Specifications!...43N45!
!
List!of!Figures!
1.! Dan!and!Emilie!in!the!process!of!brainwriting!!(Silverman!227).6!
2.! Brainstorming!Session!#1!Chalkboard!Ideas!..........6!
3.! Dan!and!Garrett!discussing!ideas!............7!
4.! Dan!and!Emilie!discussing!postNit!ideas!.....8!
5.! Dan!writing!postNit!note!idea!................8!
6.! PostNit!note!ideas!........................................................8!
7.! Function!Structure!Diagram!11!
8.! Morphological!Matrix!......12!
9.! Concept!Screening.....41!
10.!!Concept!Scoring!..............42!
!
List!of!Tables!!
1.!List!of!Concepts!Brainstormed!....9!
2.!Concepts!....13!
!
!
Appendix!!
A.!Image!Links!..46N49!
B.!Team!Meeting!Minutes.!.......49N51!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!

!
!
!

3!

Abstract&&
&
The!objective!for!the!project!team!is!to,!assemble!a!collection!of!potential!ideas!and!
concepts!that!may!be!included!in!the!final!design!of!the!snow!shovel!attachment!for!a!
wheelchair.!In!order!to!do!this,!the!design!team!met!on!multiple!occasions!to!brainstorm!
various!ideas!to!include.!Multiple!brainstorming!techniques!were!used!in!order!to!
increase!both!the!quantity!and!uniqueness!of!ideas.!The!ideas!then!went!through!a!
filtering!process!in!which!the!different!functions!and!sub!functions!were!identified.!The!
concepts!were!selected!using!a!morphological!matrix!and!then!filtered!to!the!best!one!
using!using!Pughs!method.!Finally,!the!design!specifications!were!updated!based!on!
the!obtained!results.!!

!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!

4!

1.0! Problem&Statement&&&
&
Wheelchair!users!who!may!live!on!their!own!have!no!viable!solution!to!snow!shovel!
removal.!This!demographic!is!often!neglected!when!products!are!being!designed.!The!
goal!of!this!product!is!to!allow!a!manual!wheelchair!user!to!shovel!his/her!property!in!a!
hassle!free!way.!&
!

2.0&Concept&Generation&
&

Finding!a!solution!to!a!problem!of!any!magnitude!can!a!very!daunting!task.!Each!
individualas!brain!is!limited!in!terms!of!the!depth!and!scope!in!which!they!can!imagine.!
Therefore,!having!multiple!brains!involved!in!the!problem!solving!process!allows!for!a!
much!broader!range!of!ideas.!There!are!several!different!approaches!to!ideation,!some!
more!abstract!than!others.!A!few!examples!include:!questioning!assumptions,!
opportunity!redefinition,!wishing,!triggered!brainwalking,!semantic!intuition,!picture!
prompts!and!many!more.!!Brainstorming!is!one!of!the!more!popular!and!effective!
ideation!techniques.!
!
Brainstorming!is!a!creative!technique!in!which!group!efforts!are!made!to!find!a!
conclusion!for!a!specific!problem!by!gathering!a!list!of!ideas!spontaneously!contributed!
by!its!members.!Although!it!is!a!creative!technique,!brainstorming!sessions!can!be!
extremely!productive!if!operated!in!the!most!efficient!manner.!In!the!spirit!of!
optimizing!productivity,!our!group!ran!brainstorming!sessions!with!a!few!ground!rules!
that!helped!facilitate!the!process.!In!researching!the!most!productive!ways!to!
brainstorm,!we!decided!to!model!our!session!after!the!product!design!company,!IDEO.!
This!company!frequently!uses!brainstorming!sessions!in!order!to!generate!concepts!and!
ideas.!Some!of!their!most!successful!products!were!born!out!of!brainstorming!sessions.!
The!ground!rules!that!IDEO!uses!for!their!brainstorming!sessions!are!as!follows:!
!
1.! Defer!judgment!!
2.! Encourage!wild!ideas!
3.! Build!on!the!ideas!of!others!
4.! Stay!focused!on!the!topic!
5.! One!conversation!at!a!time!
6.! Be!visual!
7.! Go!for!quantity!!
!
In!following!these!guidelines,!we!quickly!maximized!the!potential!of!our!group.!
Deferring!judgment!was!probably!the!most!useful!advice.!When!no!one!is!judging!each!
others!ideas!it!allows!for!a!greater!variety!of!ideas!to!be!shared,!this!in!effect!increases!
!

5!

the!quantity!of!concepts!generated.!The!deferring!of!judgment!also!allowed!us!to!
encourage!wild!and!abstract!ideas.!Although!some!of!them!may!be!too!abstract!and!not!
practical,!the!open!environment!spawned!great!diversity!and!out!of!the!box!thinking.!
Feasibility!is!not!a!concern!at!this!stage,!which!was!important!to!understand.!
!
Doing!further!research!into!the!process!of!brainstorming,!ideation!and!concept!
development,!we!discovered!the!process!known!as!design!thinking.!Design!thinking!
is!more!so!a!mindset!then!it!is!a!process.!It!refers!to!design!specific!activities!that!
designers!apply!during!the!process!of!designing.!This!methodology!is!geared!towards!
practical,!creative!resolutions!of!problems!and!creation!of!solutions,!with!the!intent!of!
an!improved!future!result.!Discovering!this!methodology!helped!use!redefine!
brainstorming!and!ideation.!This!newfound!knowledge!was!invaluable!to!the!creative!
process!of!concept!development.!!!
!
As!a!group!we!had!two!separate!brainstorming!sessions.!In!each!session!we!followed!
the!previously!mentioned!brainstorming!ground!rules!and!tried!to!take!a!design!
thinking!mindset.!Each!session!was!well!
documented!and!is!described!below.!!
!
Session&1&
!
Date:!10/8/15!
Time:!1:00pm!
Location:!Silverman!227!!
Attendees:!Dan!Chelius,!Emilie!Reynolds,!
Garrett!Rice,!Dwight!Robinson!!!!
!
Description:!
Figure!1:!Dan!and!Emilie!in!the!process!of!brainwriting!!
!
(Silverman!227)!
!
When!we!met!for!the!first!session,!we!went!over!the!
ground!rules!and!developed!certain!seed!questions.!
These!seed!questions!were!framed!use!the!HMW!
(How!might!we)!question!structure.!Our!seed!questions!
were!as!follows:!
!
1.! How!might!we!remove!snow!from!a!sidewalk?!
2.! How!might!we!operate!a!wheelchair!in!snow?!
3.! How!might!we!attach!a!snow!shovel!to!a!wheel!
chair?!
!
Figure!2:!Brainstorming!Session!#1!Chalkboard!Ideas!
!

6!

Framing!the!questions!in!this!manner!allows!for!the!broadest!possible!set!of!concepts.!
These!broader!ideas!then!act!as!a!launchpad!for!more!brainstorms.!The!key!is!to!word!
the!question!in!the!most!effective!way!in!order!to!allow!the!perfect!amount!of!creative!
freedom.!
!
!
We!started!our!first!brainstorming!session!by!simply!discussing!different!ideas.!One!
group!member!(Dan)!was!assigned!to!be!the!recorder,!he!wrote!every!idea!on!the!
chalkboard.!Some!concepts!were!drawn!on!the!board!as!well!for!better!visualization!
(figure!2).!Following!the!aforementioned!brainstorming!ground!rules!produced!a!very!
productive!session.!Creating!a!judgment!free!environment!was!essential!in!fostering!
some!very!creative!and!useful!concepts.!We!generated!approximately!10!ideas!from!this!
process,!these!ideas!are!listed!in!table!1.!
!
From!there!we!transitioned!to!a!brainwriting!exercise.!In!this!exercise,!we!sat!in!a!circle,!
each!with!a!piece!of!paper!and!jotted!down!a!few!ideas!within!3!minutes.!After!the!3!
minutes!was!up!(an!iPhone!was!used!as!a!stopwatch)!each!paper!was!passed!to!the!
right!and!the!timer!was!restarted.!The!goal!was!to!build!off!each!others!ideas!and!allow!
them!to!organically!develop.!This!exercise!ended!up!producing!a!wide!variety!of!ideas,!
many!being!fairly!well!developed!
conceptually.!In!total!we!produced!
approximately!10!ideas!from!this!
exercise,!these!ideas!are!listed!in!
table!1.!
!
As!we!concluded!the!session,!we!
decided!to!individually!keep!
thinking!about!different!possible!
solutions.!A!creative!process!such!as!
brainstorming!is!difficult!to!confine!
to!a!certain!time!slot!and!location.!
One!never!knows!when!an!idea!will!
strike.!With!this!in!mind,!we!created!a!document! Figure!3:!Dan!and!Garrett!discussing!ideas!
in!google!drive!where!ideas!can!be!added!at!any!
time.!!
!
Session&2&
&
Date:!10/12/15!
Time:!1:00pm!
Location:!Silverman!227&
!

7!

Attendees:!Dan!Chelius,!Emilie!Reynolds,!Dwight!Robinson!!!
!

Figure!4:!Dan!and!Emilie!discussing!postNit!ideas!

!!

Figure!5:!Dan!writing!postNit!note!idea!

!
In!our!second!brainstorming!session!we!decided!to!use!postNit!notes!to!jot!down!our!
ideas!and!develop!concepts.!This!type!of!session!is!also!frequently!used!by!the!product!
design!company!IDEO.!It!has!proven!to!inspire!creativity!and!generate!a!large!quantity!
and!variety!of!ideas.!The!same!ground!rules!as!previously!stated!still!apply.!!
!
We!also!used!the!same!HMW!type!seed!questions!in!
order!to!drive!the!session.!If!our!ideas!began!to!slow!or!we!
became!stuck,!we!shifted!the!questions!slightly.!Below!are!
the!questions!we!used:!
!
1.! How!might!we!allow!a!wheelchair!user!to!shovel!
snow?!
2.! How!might!we!remove!snow!in!the!easiest!way?!
3.! How!might!we!allow!handicapped!people!to!shovel!
snow?!
!
Each!postNit!note!was!used!for!one!unique!idea.!We!
encouraged!drawing!for!better!visualization.!Any!words!
Figure!6:!PostNit!note!ideas!
were!limited!to!headlines!that!easily!explained!the!idea.!
As!each!of!us!came!up!with!an!idea!we!posted!it!on!the!blackboard!and!briefly!
explained!it.!All!forms!of!judgment!were!restricted,!allowing!for!a!unique!set!of!ideas.!
As!we!started!to!get!into!discussion!we!began!to!expand!on!and!derive!from!each!others!
ideas.!In!the!end!we!had!42!unique!ideas!(figure!5).!
!

8!

From!here!we!documented!all!of!the!ideas!and!displayed!them!in!table!1.!As!we!
concluded!the!meeting!we!agreed!to!add!any!additional!ideas!that!we!may!think!of!on!
our!own.!!
!
All!in!all,!both!brainstorming!sessions!were!very!productive!in!large!part!due!to!our!
research!of!design!thinking!and!methodology.!Conducting!a!structured!brainstorming!
session!can!produce!a!creative!environment!that!inspires!great!ideas.!All!of!our!ideas!
generated!during!the!brainstorming!process!are!listed!below.!!
!
Table&1:&Concepts&Brainstormed&
!
1.!
2.!
3.!
4.!

Concept!Name!
Snow!Vacuum!
Heated!Snow!Shovel!Edge!
Plastic!Ring!Connection!Mechanism!
Rotational!Mechanism!I!(Plow!Angle!
Adjustment)!
Remote!Controlled!Snow!Blower!
Rotational!Mechanism!II!(Spring)!
Large!Wheel!
VNShaped!Shovel!(Rotational!Movement)!
Heated!Wheels!
!Modular!Frame!
Heated!Seat!
Ice!Chipper!Blade!on!Snow!Plow!
Wheel!Skis!
Wheel!Weights!
Salt!Dispenser!
Water!Resistant/Repellant!Coating!on!Plow!!
Snow!Tires!
Plastic!Hood!
Rotating!Shovel!
Shovel!Lifting!Lever!
Snow!Blower!Attachment!
Pick!Up!and!Dropper!Attachment!
Quick!Release!Lever!
Shovel!Jack!
Heat!Plate!Attachment!to!Shovel!and!Handle!!
Heat!Compress!Meter!
Snow!Melting!Shovel!
Snow!Shovel!Sling!
VIShaped!Plow!Pusher!
Attachable!Blow!Fan!!

5.!
6.!
7.!
8.!
9.!
10.!
11.!
12.!
13.!
14.!
15.!
16.!
17.!
18.!
19.!
20.!
21.!
22.!
23.!
24.!
25.!
26.!
27.!
28.!
29.!
30.!

Legend!
!
Concept!Generation!Methods:!
PostIIts!
Brainwriting!
Chalkboard!
Independent!

!
!

9!

3.0&Morphological&Matrix&&
!
Another!concept!generation!technique!is!the!morphological!matrix.!This!matrix!is!a!tool!
for!generating!options.!It!provides!a!systematic!approach!to!generating!a!large!quantity!
of!possibilities.!Many!of!the!resultant!solutions!turn!out!to!be!highly!abstract!and!
unique!due!to!the!nature!of!the!matrix.!!
!
In!order!to!create!this!matrix,!we!must!first!develop!a!function!structure!and!perform!a!
functional!analysis.!The!purpose!of!this!is!to!clearly!identify!the!overall!function!of!the!
product,!along!with!each!individual!sub!function.!The!Function!structure!is!broken!
down!into!three!section:!overall!function,!supporting!subNfunctions,!auxiliary!functions.!
!
As!a!group!we!discussed!different!primary!and!secondary!functions!that!we!thought!
were!most!important.!We!ordered!these!functions!in!the!list!below:!
!
1.! Shovel!snow!in!wheelchair!
2.! Attach!shovel!
3.! Operate!wheelchair!in!snow!
4.! Pickup/Deposit!Snow!
5.! Disperse!snow!
6.! Dispense!salt!
7.! Melt!snow!
!
Once!these!main!function!were!established,!an!order!(or!flow)!to!them!was!established.!
This!was!done!by!thinking!through!how!exactly!the!product!would!operate!in!a!stepN
byNstep!fashion.!Doing!this!allowed!us!to!easily!uncover!the!different!flows!associated!
with!our!functions.!We!also!considered!different!inputs!required,!such!as!a!source!of!
salt!and!heat.!Once!all!of!these!information!was!organized,!the!function!structure!
diagram!was!created.!This!diagram!can!be!found!on!the!next!page!!

10!

Figure'7:'Function'Structure'Diagram'
'
'
Once'all'of'the'functions'were'established,'the'morphological'matrix'was'put'together.'This'was'done'by'using'the'functions'as'the'
main'parameters','and'then'filling'in'all''possible'ways'to'accomplish'each'function.''Some'functions'how'more'solutions'then'
others,'which'is'perfectly'fine.'The'morphological'matrix'is'shown'on'the'next'page.'

Attach!shovel!
Operate!
wheelchair!
in!snow!
Pickup/Depos
it!Snow!
Disperse!
Snow!
Melt!Snow! Dispense!Salt!

Shovel'Snow'In'Wheelchair!

Flexible!plastic!rings!

Adjustable!Clamp!

!
Plastic!Hood!

Attachable!snow!blower!

VEShape!shovel!

!
Heating!coils!(on!edge!of!
shovel)!

Wheelchair!
Skis!

!!

Snow!Vacuum!

Shovel!modes!sideEtoE
side!

Motor!powered!

Velcro!

!
Wheel!weights!

Snow!tires!

Rotating!Shovel!

Snap!Tabs!

Rotating!paddles!

Blow!Fan!

!
Mechanically!powered!

!
Manually!activated!

!
Exothermic!Chemical!Reaction!

Attachable!space!
heater!
!

!
Figure!8:!Morphological!Matrix!!

As#you#can#see#there#are#a#number#of#different#solutions#that#can#be#developed#from#the#morphological#
matrix,#in#fact#the#exact#number#is#4x4x4x3x3x3#=#1,728.#Obviously#we#do#not#need#to#consider#all#of#the#
possibilities#for#our#concept#selection.##

The#tables#below#include#all#of#the#concepts#which#were#developed#from#the#brainstorming#session.#
These#concepts#helped#drive#the#morphological#matrix.#Each#concept#is#listed,#along#with#a#general#
description#of#the#function.#A#pros#and#cons#list#is#also#attached#to#highlight#the#advantages#and#
disadvantages.#Some#images#are#included#to#assist#with#visualization.##

!
!
Table#2:##Concepts#from#Brainstorming#
1.)$Snow$Vacuum$
Description$
The$Snow$Vacuum$works$similarly$to$that$of$a$
Wet/Dry$Vacuum.$The$body$of$the$device$would$be$
attached$to$the$back$of$the$wheelchair,$while$an$
extension$wand$is$attached$to$the$hose.$This$allows$
the$user$to$suck$up$the$snow$with$minimum$effort.$$
$

Pros/Cons$
Pros:$
1.! The$user$uses$less$physical$energy$since$the$
device$does$most$of$the$work$$
2.! Multipurpose$function$$
3.! Can$possibly$be$used$as$a$rolling$machine$
rather$than$attached$to$back$of$wheelchair.$$
Cons:$
1.! $Takes$a$long$time$to$suck$up$snow$$
2.! $Can$potentially$be$expensive$due$to$its$high$
technology$
3.! As$the$body$of$the$device$gets$filled$with$snow,$
this$may$allow$it$to$become$heavier$than$the$
weight$of$the$user,$causing$the$wheelchair$to$be$
prone$to$flipping$

!
2.)$Heated$Snow$Shovel$Edge$
Description$
Make$the$edge$of$the$shovel$a$different$material$
than$the$rest$of$it$(E.G.$Make$the$shovel$plastic$and$
put$a$steel$edge$on$it).$Then$heat$the$steel$edge$so$
the$shovel$can$easily$get$through$ice,$and$thick$
snow$without$melting$all$the$snow$on$the$shovel.$
$

Pros/Cons$
Pros:$
1.! $Can$easily$get$through$thick$snow$and$ice$
2.! $The$user$can$use$less$force$when$pushing$
through$the$snow$
3.! Can$easily$melt$away$at$thick$ice$and$snow$
Cons:$
1.! Will$drive$up$the$cost$of$the$product$$
2.! $The$product$will$potentially$be$more$
dangerous$for$the$user$
3.! Need$to$use$a$secondary$material$on$the$shovel$

$
3.)$Plastic$Ring$Connection$Mechanism$$
Description$
Pros/Cons$
A$plastic$ring$can$snap$onto$a$metal$rod$on$the$
Pros:$
users$wheelchair.$This$can$either$be$by$the$feet$or$
1.! An$easy$way$for$the$user$to$attach$the$shovel$to$
by$the$hand$rests.$The$rings$are$attached$to$a$metal$
their$wheelchair$$$
rods$in$which$the$shovel$is$attached$to$the$other$
2.! $Does$not$require$any$extra$tools$to$guarantee$a$
side.$It$is$possible$to$remove$the$plastic$ring$when$it$
tight$fit$
gets$worn$down.$
3.! Connector$can$be$replaced$if$it$gets$damaged$
$
Cons:$
1.! $Plastic$is$a$weaker$material,$so$it$is$likely$to$get$
worn$down$over$time$
2.! $The$user$will$need$some$strength$to$push$the$
plastic$ring$onto$the$wheelchair$
3.! If$too$weak,$is$prone$to$sudden$snap.$$
$

4.)$Rotational$Mechanism$I$(Plow$Angle$Adjustment)$
Description$
A$metal$plate$will$be$attached$to$the$back$of$the$
Pros:$
shovel,$and$a$track$will$be$cut$into$it.$A$cylinder$will$
1.!
fit$into$the$track$and$will$be$allowed$to$roll$up$and$
down$the$track.$A$metal$rod$is$attached$to$the$
2.!
cylinder$and$will$lead$up$to$an$area$where$the$user$
can$grab$it.$When$the$user$pushes$on$the$metal$rod$
3.!
the$shovel$will$tilt$upward.$$
Cons:$
1.!
2.!

Pros/Cons$
Will$allow$the$user$to$be$more$maneuverable$
around$thick$snow.$$$
The$user$will$be$able$to$pick$up$snow$instead$of$
just$pushing$it$$$
User$will$use$significantly$less$back$and$arm$
work$into$shoveling$the$snow.$$

Depends$on$the$strength$of$the$user$$
It$is$possible$that$the$mechanism$can$rust$or$
become$damaged,$making$it$difficult$to$utilize.$
3.! Damages$could$be$difficult$to$fix$$

$
5.)$Remote$Controlled$Snow$Blower$
Description$
A$remote$control$will$be$handled$by$the$user$to$
allow$them$to$operate$the$forward$and$backwards$
motion,$as$well$as$the$designated$direction$the$
snow$blower$will$go.$

Pros/Cons$
Pros:$
1.!
2.!
3.!
Cons:$
1.!
2.!

Allows$the$users$to$be$out$of$the$elements$$
Relatively$simple$to$use$$
Clears$snow$through$projection$

Potentially$expensive$
If$device$gets$jammed,$user$will$have$to$go$out$
to$fix$it$$
3.! Limited$use$via$gasoline$and$battery$power$

6.)$Rotational$Mechanism$II$(Utilizing$a$Spring)$
Description$
Pros/Cons$
A$metal$rod$will$be$within$the$reach$of$the$user,$and$ Pros:$
the$shovel$will$be$attached$to$the$other$side.$The$
1.! Simple$mechanism$$
shovel$has$a$pivot$point,$so$when$the$user$pushes$
2.! Not$very$costly$
on$the$rod,$the$shovel$will$rotate$upwards.$$A$spring$
3.! Easy$to$fix$if$something$breaks$
will$resist$this$motion$so$when$the$user$let's$go$of$
Cons:$
the$metal$rod$the$shovel$returns$to$its$resting$
1.! User$will$need$to$be$able$to$exceed$the$
position.$$$
resistance$force$of$the$spring$
2.! Dependent$on$users$strength$
3.! $

$
7.)$Large$Wheel$
Description$
Large$wheel$is$incorporated$into$the$snow$shovel$
attachment.$Doing$so$reduces$the$required$force$of$
the$user$by$creating$more$leverage.$$

Pros/Cons$
Pros:$
1.!
2.!
3.!
Cons:$
1.!
2.!
3.!

Maneuverable$
Can$easily$get$over$ice,$and$thick$snow$
Reduces$required$force$
More$expensive$$
Increase$maintenance$
Large$in$size$$

8.)$VQShaped$Shovel$with$Rotational$Movement$$
Description$
The$VZshape$of$the$shovel$will$allow$the$user$to$
more$easily$push$the$snow.$$In$this$case,$the$shovel$
will$be$able$to$rotate$to$the$left$or$right.$This$will$
allow$the$user$to$direct$the$snow$in$the$direction$
they$want$

$
Pros/Cons$
Pros:$
1.! Easy$for$the$user$to$push$through$heavy$snow$$
2.! The$user$can$easily$push$the$snow$in$any$
direction$they$want,$easily$carving$paths$
3.! Does$not$require$user$to$lif/deposit$snow$
Cons:$
1.! $If$VZShaped$Plow$gets$stuck,$the$Torque$and$
lever$arm$caused$by$weight$of$the$snow$can$
fling$the$user$out$of$wheelchair.$
2.! Disabled$bodies$may$not$have$the$strength$to$
rotate$the$shovel$$
3.! May$not$clear$all$snow$(thin$layer$may$be$left$
on$ground)$$

$
$
$
$
$
$

15$

9.)$Heated$Wheels$
Description$
The$wheels$will$work$like$that$of$reusable$heat$
packs.$When$they$begin$to$move,$they$will$trigger$
Sodium$Acetate$crystals$to$form$like$that$of$heat$
packs$for$hands,$causing$the$wheels$to$heat$up,$
essentially$melting$the$snow.$

Pros/Cons$
Pros:$
1.!
2.!
3.!
Cons:$
1.!

Easy$to$maneuver$over$snow$and$ice$
Reusable$$
No$fuel$or$battery$required$for$functioning$$

Rapid$snow$melt$may$cause$wheelchair$to$get$
stuck$in$snow$$
2.! $Snow$melts$in$centralized$location$
3.! Consists$of$potentially$toxic$chemicals$

$
10.)$Modular$Frame$
Description$
Pros/Cons$
Wheelchair$itself$is$designed$to$have$a$large$variety$ Pros:$
of$attachments$to$be$attached$to$it.$To$do$this,$the$
1.! Allows$for$greater$use$than$just$the$snow$plow$
design$would$be$made$to$be$easily$disassembled$
2.! Allows$for$easier$installation$and$removal$of$
and/or$possess$hard$points$at$key$points$that$would$
plow,$and$making$for$stronger$connections$
allow$for$a$wide$range$of$attachments$to$be$easily$
3.! Allows$for$the$creation$of$an$entire$new$
installed.$$
product$line$
Cons:$
1.! Requires$complete$redesign$of$wheelchair$
2.! More$expensive$for$consumer,$as$they$have$to$
buy$both$a$new$wheelchair$and$the$plow$
3.! Potentially$heavier,$and$therefore$more$difficult$
to$use,$with$the$addition$of$extra$modules$

$
11.)$Heated$Seat$
Description$
When$using$the$plow,$the$user$will$be$subjected$to$
very$low$temperatures$and,$given$long$enough$
exposure,$could$cause$discomfort$or$injury.$By$
installing$heating$units$into$the$seat,$it$not$only$
allows$for$a$more$comfortable$use$of$the$
wheelchair,$but$helps$keep$their$body$temperature$
within$acceptable$ranges.$$

$
$

Pros/Cons$
Pros:$
1.! Increases$user$comfort$
2.! Allows$for$longer$periods$of$use$
3.! Can$be$used$for$more$than$just$plowing$for$it$is$
beneficial$anytime$the$user$is$cold$
Cons:$
1.! More$expensive$for$consumer$
2.! Requires$the$addition$of$a$battery$to$
unpowered$wheelchairs,$or$leading$to$shorter$
battery$life$for$powered$chairs$
3.! Potential$fire$hazard$if$damaged$

16$

12.)$Ice$Chipper$Blade$on$Snow$Plow$
Description$
Pros/Cons$
The$addition$of$a$sharp$metal$blade$of$a$corrosion$
Pros:$
resist$material$(preferably$stainless$steel)$to$the$
1.! Additional$strength$to$plow,$able$to$withstand$
lower$edge$of$the$plow.$Will$allow$the$blade$to$more$
more$internal$stresses$without$being$damaged$
easily$chip$through$ice$that$may$have$formed$on$the$
2.! Allows$user$to$remove$ice$that$may$have$been$
ground.$In$addition,$the$metal$blade$adds$additional$
impossible$to$remove$with$a$normal$plow$
strength$to$the$plow$itself.$
3.! Allows$for$the$plow$to$have$a$more$consistent$
scoop$through$various$snow$type$
Cons:$
1.! Additional$cost$to$manufacture.$Metal$is$a$more$
difficult$and$expensive$material$than$the$plastic$
used$to$make$the$plow.$
2.! Easier$potential$to$break.$Blade$could$be$
chipped$through$use$or$impact$with$an$hard$
obstacle$such$as$a$rock.$$
3.! Additional$weight$to$plow.$Because$the$chair$is$
hand$powered,$any$weight$added$to$the$plow$is$
more$weight$that$the$user$must$overcome$in$
$
order$to$move.$

$
13.)$Wheel$Skis$$
Description$
Including$small$clipZable$snowskates$to$the$front$
wheels$of$the$wheelchair.$These$will$allow$the$front$
tires$to$glide$over$the$snow$instead$of$rolling.$This$
allows$for$much$easier$movement$through$the$
snow.$$

Pros/Cons$
Pros:$
1.! Less$friction$means$easier$movement$for$the$
user.$$
2.! Light$weight,$adds$negligible$mass$to$the$plow$
and$chair.$
3.! Increases$maneuverability$for$the$user,$
allowing$to$get$into$places$that$they$normally$
couldnt$with$the$front$wheels$alone$
Cons:$
1.! Extra$parts$to$attach,$making$installation$of$the$
plow$take$longer$and$more$difficult.$$$
2.! More$expensive$to$produce,$leading$to$higher$
costs$for$consumer.$$
3.! Skates,$like$regular$skis,$require$a$coating$of$
wax$on$the$bottom.$This$wax$must$be$reheated$
and$thickened$every$so$often,$increasing$
maintenance$costs.

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

17$

14.)$Wheel$Weights$
Description$
Pros/Cons$
Pushing$through$the$snow$is$difficult$for$many$
Pros:$
wheeled$devices$and$vehicles$due$to$the$lower$
1.! Reduces$the$ability$of$tires$to$slip$$
coefficient$of$friction$between$the$wheel$and$
2.! Allows$user$to$push$larger$mounds$of$snow,$
ground.$By$adding$weighted$plates$to$the$side$of$the$
potentially$shortening$time$out$in$the$cold.$$$
wheels$the$normal$force$increases,$allowing$better$
3.! Allows$the$user$to$move$over$more$difficult$
grip$to$the$ground.$This$in$turn$makes$it$easier$for$
surfaces$such$as$ice$easier.$$
the$user$to$push$snow$around$without$the$tires$
Cons:$
slipping.$
1.! Extra$parts$to$attach,$making$installation$of$the$
plow$take$longer$and$more$difficult.$$$
2.! More$expensive$to$produce,$leading$to$higher$
costs$for$consumer$$
3.! Additional$weight$to$plow.$Because$the$chair$is$
hand$powered,$any$weight$added$to$the$plow$is$
more$weight$that$the$user$must$overcome$in$
order$to$move$
$

15.)$Salt$Dispenser$
Description$
Pros/Cons$
In$the$winter,$salt$is$used$greatly$for$its$ability$to$
Pros:$
not$only$melt$snow$and$ice,$but$to$help$prevent$it$
1.! Minimal$profile.$By$being$attached$to$the$rear$of$
from$accumulating$in$the$first$place.$By$installing$a$
the$chair,$it$does$not$interfere$with$the$
small$salt$reservoir$and$dispenser$to$the$back$of$the$
operation$of$the$chair$in$anyway$$
chair,$the$user$can$preZsalt$their$driveway$and$
2.! Large$variety$of$applications,$from$snow/ice$
sidewalks$before$a$storm,$making$the$snow$removal$
prevention,$helping$clear$snow/ice,$and$help$
that$much$easier.$The$dispenser$can$be$attached$to$
preventing$any$icing$over$of$water$run$off$$
a$wheel,$allowing$to$cover$a$larger$area$more$evenly$
3.! Because$it$is$attached$to$a$wheel,$the$user$can$
with$salt$than$by$hand.$$
dispense$salt$passively$by$merely$rolling$over$
$
the$areas$they$want$salted$
Cons:$
1.! Extra$parts$to$attach,$making$installation$of$the$
plow$take$longer$and$more$difficult$$
2.! More$expensive$to$produce,$leading$to$higher$
costs$for$consumer.$In$addition,$requires$the$
user$to$buy$and$refill$salt$reservoir$periodically$$
3.! Additional$weight$to$plow.$Because$the$chair$is$
hand$powered,$any$weight$added$to$the$plow$is$
more$weight$that$the$user$must$overcome$in$
$
order$to$move$

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

18$

16.)!Water$Resistant/Repellent$Coating$on$Plow$
Description$
Pros/Cons$
Snow$comes$in$a$variety$of$forms.$Some$are$dry$and$ Pros:$
flake,$while$others$are$wet$and$heavy.$This$wet$and$
1.! Prevents$the$clumping$of$snow$on$the$plow,$
heavy$snow$often$ends$up$sticking$to$plows$and$
allowing$for$faster$and$easier$clearing$
shovels,$reducing$their$ability$to$clear$away$snow$as$
operations$$
well$as$adding$a$large$amount$of$extra$weight.$By$
2.! Weight$is$negligible,$entire$coating$could$add$as$
coating$a$water$resistant$or$water$repellent$coating$
little$as$a$gram$to$the$total$weight$of$the$plow$
to$the$plow,$it$would$prevent$this$wet$snow$from$
3.! The$right$type$of$coating$could$add$a$nice$shine$
sticking$to$it,$ensuring$a$more$smooth$snow$
to$the$finish,$giving$the$plow$a$higher$quality$
clearing$operation$without$the$need$to$constantly$
aesthetic$look$
clean$the$plow.$$
Cons:$
1.! Adds$additional$costs$to$plow.$Depending$on$
the$quality$of$the$coating,$prices$could$easily$
begin$to$add$up$$
2.! Coating$will$need$to$be$reZdone$periodically.$
This$adds$to$maintenance$costs$and$time$$
3.! If$there$is$any$scratches$or$severe$abrasions,$
coating$could$be$removed$and$corrosion$
$
damage$to$plow$could$occur$as$well$as$snow$
clumping$

$
17.)$Snow$Tires$$
Description$
Pros/Cons$
Traction$is$a$huge$concern$for$wheeled$vehicles$and$ Pros:$
tools$in$the$winter$time.$While$one$way$to$increase$
1.! Reduces$the$ability$of$tires$to$slip$$
friction$between$the$tire$and$the$ground$is$to$
2.! Allows$user$to$push$larger$mounds$of$snow,$
increase$the$normal$force$of$the$chair,$another$is$to$
potentially$shortening$time$out$in$the$cold$
choose$a$rougher$tire$with$better$grip.$By$having$
3.! Allows$the$user$to$move$over$more$difficult$
specialized$snow$tires$the$user$can$travel$through$
surfaces$such$as$ice$easier$
snow$with$less$added$weight,$and$still$enjoy$better$ Cons:$
traction.$
1.! Heavier$than$regular$tires.$Will$make$more$
basic$operations$more$difficult$$
2.! Larger$wheels$lead$to$a$wider$profile.$This$
means$moving$through$more$confined$areas$is$
more$difficult.$
3.! The$plow$needs$to$be$able$to$accommodate$the$
wider$profile.$If$the$wheel$base$is$wider$than$
the$plow,$moving$through$the$snow$will$be$
even$more$difficult.$
$

$
18.)$Plastic$Hood$

Description$
Pros/Cons$
Any$outdoor$operations$in$winter$require$proper$
Pros:$
protection$from$the$elements.$By$including$a$
1.! Allows$user$to$operate$wheelchair$in$heated$
transparent$plastic$hood,$it$allows$the$operator$to$
environment$
be$protected$in$a$selfZheated$bubble.$This$allows$the$
2.! $Being$warmer$and$more$comfortable$allows$

19$

user$to$carry$on$snow$removing$operations$in$
greater$comfort$without$needing$to$worry$about$the$
cold$or$wind.$

user$to$remain$outdoors$longer$
3.! Hood$can$be$used$outside$of$snow$removal$
operations,$for$general$protection$from$wind,$
rain,$and$cold$
Cons:$
1.! Very$awkward$set$up.$Being$big$and$bulky$will$
limit$locations$that$wheelchair$can$be$moved$$
2.! Heater$adds$additional$weight$to$wheelchair.$
Extra$weight$of$heater$and$battery$makes$
moving$wheelchair$more$difficult.$$
3.! Plastic$hood$does$not$offer$much$in$the$ways$of$
thermal$insulation.$Combined$with$air$openings$
throughout$the$wheelchair,$without$an$active$
heater,$the$hood$will$quickly$cool$down$to$
outdoor$temperatures.$

$
19.)$Rotating$Shovel$
Description$
The$rotating$shovel$has$a$wheel$on$the$bottom$of$
the$shovel$that$is$attached$to$a$gear.$When$the$
wheels$are$moving$forward$the$gears$spin$allowing$
rotation$of$the$paddleZlike$devices$built$into$the$
shovel$to$move$the$snow$to$the$side.$

Pros/Cons$
Pros:$
1.! Requires$no$additional$resources$(no$manual$
labor)$$
2.! $Turning$and$converting$power$generated$from$
the$wheels$into$useful$work$
3.! Does$not$require$any$type$of$fueling/charging$
to$function$
Cons:$
1.! Requires$physical$strength$
2.! Moving$parts$require$maintenance$$
3.! Potentially$dangerous$if$device$gets$jammed$
with$snow$

$
20.)!Shovel!Lifting!Lever$
Description$
Very%similar%to%a%bulldozer%in%the%fact%that%it%scoops%up% Pros:$
1.!
snow%via%forward%driving%motion.%The%main%difference,%
however,%is%that%this%shovel%lifter%lifts%the%snow%and%
2.!
then%throws%it%to%the%side%by%rotating%about%the%left%
most%connection.$
3.!

Pros/Cons$
Using a lever to lift and throw the snow, it
requires little to no effort on the users end.
All mechanical, so no worry about electrical
malfunctions.
Easy to reattach to the wheelchair due to snap on
connections.

Cons:$
1.! Must be semi-efficient in how the multiple
cranks/levers work.
2.! Potentially dangerous if the device were to
ever get jammed with any type of material.
3.! Multiple part system, giving more work to
the user.

$
$

20$

21.)!Snow!Blower!Attachment$
Description$
Many%people%wish%to%accomplish%the%goal%of%shoveling% Pros:$
1.!
snow%without%the%hassle%of%actually%shoveling%snow.%
By%incorporating%a%snow%blower%attachment%that%
easily%attaches%to%the%wheelchair%and%is%easy%to%detach%
we%solve%the%problem%that%users%wish%to%be%addressed.$
2.!

Pros/Cons$

Similar to an actual snow blower in the fact that it

has actual blades and sucks in snow to blow it out,
it will be as efficient, if not a little bit less
efficient, than an actual snow blower.
Very easily attachable as it will be stationed and
attached right in front of the user with the end part
pointing towards the side of the user.
3.! Act as a plow and shovel by clearing paths and
shoveling the snow.
Cons:$
1.! Might be particularly dangerous to the user
as there are rotating blades being used.
2.! Will, without a doubt, be heavy. Because of
its weight and the added weight of the user it
will force the user to require more strength to
use the item.
3.! Because of its weight, the user might be
forced to lean forward as the weight of the
snow blower might be overwhelming and
might cause a torque that can easily tip the
wheelchair.

$
22.)!Pick!Up!and!Dropper!Attachment$
Description$
Similar$to$a$fan$in$the$sense$that$there$will$be$
whirling$blades,$this$concept$involves$a$fan$with$
curved$tips$that$are$large$enough$to$pick$up$a$mass$
of$snow.$The$mechanism$will$be$height$adjustable$
and$rotate$in$one$direction.$In$rotating$in$one$
direction$they$pick$up$the$snow$on$one$side$and$
drop$it$off$exactly$180$degrees$later.$

Pros/Cons$
Pros:$
1.! If motor powered, there will be no interaction
needed by the user other than to move their
wheelchair into the proper position.
2.! Easily operated if mechanical.
3.! Aesthetically pleasing.
Cons:$
1.! Needs to have a large area that may possibly
block the users sight. Large area needed such
that the snow does not fall back in front of
user.
2.! Only one direction of shoveling snow.
3.! Unable to chip away at ice.

$
23.)!Quick!Release!Lever$
Description$
Pros:$
Since%we%are%trying%to%go%for%an%easily%attachable%
1.!
mechanism%for%use%with%the%wheelchair,%we%would%like%
2.!
to%create%an%easy%method%to%attach%to%the%wheelchair.%
3.!
Using%a%quick%release%lever%allows%for%an%easy%to%attach%
Cons:$
and%lock%mechanism%that%creates%ease%for%the%user.%
1.!

Pros/Cons$
Easy locking mechanism
Secure fit
Easily Removable
With easy unlocking, the quick release lever
can easily be mistaken for being locked and

21$

can cause a misunderstanding of whether the

mechanism is properly attached.
2.! Possibly would not be able to lock with
multiple types of mechanisms.
3.! Expensive to obtain a universal quick release
lever.

24.)!Shovel!Jack$
Description$
One%of%the%main%problems%with%shoveling%snow%is%
chipping%away%at%ice.%With%the%shovel%jack,%there%will%
be%an%electrical%part%that%allows%for%back%and%forward%
motion%to%chip%away%at%ice.%$

Pros/Cons$
Pros:$
1.! Little to no effort on part of user for chipping
away at ice underneath snow.
2.! Prevents build-up of ice and snow
3.! Does the simultaneous task of breaking snow and
dispersing the debris
Cons:$
1.! Might deform head of shovel because of
constant use.
2.! Electrical component might get wet, causing
some sort of electrical malfunction. Safety
issues.
3.! Possibility of overheating or jamming due to
overuse of jack to chip away at sturdy ice.

$
25.)$Heat$Plate$Attachment$to$Shovel$and$Handle$
Description$
Pros/Cons$
By$shoveling$snow,$we$come$to$the$problem$of$
Pros:$
having$our$hands$freeze$because$of$contact$with$the$
1.! Attaching$a$heating$plate$to$the$shovel$will$keep$
snow$and$convection.$By$adding$a$heat$plate$
hands$warm$and$possibly$make$it$easier$to$chip$
attachment$we$can$warm$up$our$hands$during$
at$ice$due$to$melting$effect.$$
shoveling$and$even$the$shovelhead$
2.! Might$even$melt$snow$while$shoveling,$
completely$getting$rid$of$the$snow.$$
3.! Easy$to$start$the$heater,$almost$like$a$press$of$a$
button.$
Cons:$
1.! Placement$might$become$a$concern$as$we$do$
not$wish$to$take$up$too$much$space$on$the$
shovel,$in$turn,$making$it$inconvenient$to$store$
and$handle.$$
2.! What%if%snow%melts%and%the%water%falls%into%the%
heated%plate%attachment?%This%could%be%a%large%
problem%with%safety.
3.! One%needs%to%find%a%proper%method%to%control%the%
heat%limit%such%that%the%increased%heat%does%not%
affect%the%shovels%elasticity.

$
$
$

22$

26.)$Heat$Compress$Melter$
Description$
Using$a$compress$attached$to$the$bottom$of$a$plate$
which$is$attached$to$the$wheelchair,$we$will$be$able$
to$use$any$type$of$compressing$method$to$press$on$
the$snow$with$the$heat$compress.$In$turn,$melting$
snow.$Another$alternative$to$limiting$the$use$of$the$
users$body.$

Pros/Cons$
Pros:$
1.! The$more$pressure$applied,$the$more$heat$is$
built$up.$
2.! Can$apply$the$pressure$in$multiple$ways$such$
as$lever$crank,$pushing,$etc.$$
3.! Requires$minimal$effort$to$replace$the$heat$
compress.$$
Cons:$
1.! Might$take$a$while$to$melt$the$snow$as$the$
compress$only$affects$certain$area$at$a$time.$
2.! Need$to$replace$the$heat$compress$after$each$
use$like$every$heat$compress$$
3.! Must$compress$hard$in$order$to$activate$the$
compress.$$$

$
27.)$Snow$Melting$Shovel$
Description$
Using$an$advanced$material,$we$will$be$able$to$set$
off$a$powerful$chemical$reaction$that$make$the$
material$of$the$shovel$heat$up$and$melt$the$snow.$
Rather$than$shoveling$the$snow,$we$accomplish$the$
task$of$getting$rid$of$it$using$another$equally$smart$
method.$$
$
$

Pros/Cons$
Pros:$
1.! Melts$snow$rather$than$requiring$force$to$
shovel$snow.$$$
2.! Very$High$Quality$Material$$
3.! Does$not$need$to$be$attached$to$the$wheelchair$
which$means$very$easy$maneuverability.$$
Cons:$
1.! Need$to$break$snow$shovel$to$access$its$melting$
ability.$$$
2.! Must$buy$snow$shovels$in$order$to$constantly$
shovel$snow.$$
3.! Need$high$quality$material$to$make$shovel,$
therefore$it$will$be$very$expensive.$$

$
28.)$Snow$Shovel$Sling$
Description$
Pros/Cons$
Using$a$crank$lever,$you$will$be$able$to$treat$the$
Pros:$
shovel$like$a$slingshot.$It$loads$snow$into$the$snow$
1.! Easy$to$initially$shovel$the$snow$as$the$shovel$is$
shovel$by$using$a$regular$shoveling$method$but$
slightly$above$the$ground.$$
then$slings$forward$off$of$the$shovel$to$get$rid$of$the$
2.! Wind$and$sling$model$involves$only$a$lever$and$
snow.$$
shovel$which$accounts$for$easy$use.$$$
$
3.! Considerably$reduces$cost$via$the$use$of$simple$
design$and$method,$making$the$materials$easily$
replaceable.$
Cons:$
1.! Spring$system$might$be$affected$by$the$cold,$in$
turn$making$it$require$force$to$use$the$flinging$
function.$
2.! Will$most$likely$have$a$snow$weight$limit$of$
what$can$be$flung.$$

23$

3.! As$the$materials$are$cheap,$it$will$possibly$be$
prone$to$breaking.$

29.)$V$Shaped$Plow$Pusher$
Description$
Like$a$regular$VZShaped$Plow,$we$will$be$able$to$
plow$snow$out$of$the$way$with$just$moving$the$
wheelchair$forward.$This$VZShaped$Plow$
attachment$accomplishes$the$goal$of$making$a$path$
for$the$wheelchair$and$pushing$the$snow$out$of$the$
way$of$the$wheelchair$user.$It$accomplishes$this$
task$by$swiveling$about$one$point$after$collecting$a$
mass$of$snow$and$in$turn$depositing$the$snow$in$
one$general$area%

Pros/Cons$
Pros:$
1.! Easy$to$move$snow$out$of$the$way$due$to$the$
associated$v$shape.$$
2.! $Not$only$makes$path$by$going$forward$but$also$
deposits$snow$such$that$it$stays$out$of$the$way$
and$clears$a$path.$$
3.! Very$easily$attachable$and$easy$manipulation.$$
Cons:$
1.! $Requires$large$force$to$move$plow$and$snow$as$
well$due$to$extra$weight$from$the$plow$and$the$
accumulated$snow.$
2.! $Will$most$likely$be$heavy$and$takes$up$a$large$
amount$of$snow$as$it$will$be$blocking$half$the$
users$body.$
3.! Might$not$be$able$to$operate$with$ice$under$the$
snow.

30.)$Attachable$Blow$Fan$
Description$
Pros/Cons$
Shoveling$snow$is$a$tedious$task$and$we$would$like$ Pros:$
to$remove$the$work$from$shoveling$snow.$Attaching$
1.! Significantly$less$contact$with$snow$
a$blow$fan$to$the$wheelchair$that$swivels$about$one$
2.! Less$force$required$to$move$the$snow$on$the$
point$allows$for$the$ability$to$push$the$snow$out$of$
end$of$the$user.$
the$way$without$using$actual$force.$
3.! Easily$gets$rid$of$light$snow$in$multiple$
$
directions$by$blowing$it$out$of$the$way.$
Cons:$
1.! $Does$not$come$in$contact$with$ice,$making$it$
nearly$impossible$to$take$care$of$ice.$
2.! Might$be$dangerous$due$to$closeness$of$fan$to$
disabled$user.$
3.! Does$not$address$the$problem$associated$with$
heavier/wetter$snow.$
$

!
$

24$

4.0!Concept!Selection!!
!
The#morphological#matrix#was#used#to#create#a#total#of#30#different#system.#Each#system#
is#explained#below,#with#the#different#solutions#for#each#sub#function,#along#with#pros#
and#cons#of#each#one.#From#here,#the#concepts#will#be#filter.#Below#are#all#thirty#concepts#
generated#from#the#morphological#matrix.##
!

1)!

Attach!Shovel:!Flexible#Plastic#Ring#
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow:!Snow#Tires!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow:!Rotating#Shovel!
Disperse!Snow:!Rotating#Paddles!
Dispense!Salt:!Motor#Powered!
Melt!Snow:!Heating#Coils!
!
Pros#
P! Snow#tires#will#allow#the#user#to#easily#maneuver#through#thick#snow#and#ice#
P! Rotating#shovel,#along#with#the#rotating#paddles#will#allow#user#to#push#aside#
thick#snow,#and#lift#and#move#any#remaining#snow.##
P! Heating#coils#on#edge#of#shovel#will#allow#the#user#to#cut#through#ice#and#thick#
snow##
Cons#
P! The#motor#powered#salt#dispenser#will#use#extra#power#and#may#be#dangerous##
P! The#flexible#plastic#ring#could#break,#and#may#need#to#be#replaced#
P! Rotating#shovel/rotating#paddles#require#a#lot#of#moving#pieces,#and#will#need#
maintenance.##
!
2)! !
Attach!Shovel:!Flexible#Plastic#Ring!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow:!Plastic#Hood!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow:!Rotating#Shovel!
Disperse!Snow:!Blow#Fan!
Dispense!Salt:!Mechanical#Powered!!
Melt!Snow:!Exothermic#Chemical#Reactions!
!
Pros#
P! The#mechanical#powered#dispenser#turns#the#wheels#energy#into#useful#work#
P! The#blow#fan#can#blow#away#heavier#snow#making#it#easier#for#the#user#to#pick#
up#and#deposit#snow##
$

25$

P! Wheel#weights#make#it#easier#for#the#user#to#push#through#heavier#snow##
#
Cons#
P! The#direction#the#fan#blows#the#snow#may#be#difficult#to#control#
P! The#mechanical#powered#salt#means#the#wheelchair#will#continue#to#dispense#
salt#until#the#user#stops#moving,#or#it#runs#out#of#salt#
P! Blow#fan#may#require#some#sort#of#power#cord#
#
3)! !
Attach!Shovel:!Snap#Tabs!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow:!Snow#Tires!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow:!Rotating#Shovel!
Disperse!Snow:!Blow#Fan!
Dispense!Salt:!Manual#Power!
Melt!Snow:!Exothermic#Chemical#Reaction!!
#
Pros#
P! The#manual#powered#dispenser#gives#the#user#more#control#on#to#where#to#dispense#
the#salt#
P! Melting#the#snow#with#a#chemical#reaction#is#fast,#and#very#effective#
P! Rotating#shovel#allows#the#user#to#pick#up#and#deposit#snow#wherever#they#want.#
#
Cons#
P! The#manual#dispenser#may#become#tedious#
P! Chemical#reactions#are#dangerous,#and#chemicals#must#be#commercially#available#
P! Snap#tabs#can#easily#break#and#must#be#replaces#
!
4)! !
Attach!Shovel:!Snap#Tabs!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow:!Plastic#Hood!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow:!Attachable#Snow#blower!
Disperse!Snow:!Blow#Fan!
Dispense!Salt:!Motor#Powered!!
Melt!Snow:!Heat#Coils!
!
Pros#
P! Plastic#hood#will#protect#hood#again#dangerous#conditions,#and#any#snow#being#
moved#by#the#snow#blower#
P! The#attachable#snow#blower#will#require#minimum#physical#labor#from#the#user#

26$

P! The#snow#blower#in#combination#with#the#motor#powered#salt#dispenser#will#mean#
the#job#gets#done#very#quickly#
#
Cons#
P! Snow#blower#may#be#difficult#to#control,#so#it#will#require#additional#considerations#
P! Since#much#of#this#process#it#automatic,#it#would#be#dangerous#with#minimum#
input#
P! The#plastic#hood#could#become#foggy,#and#dirty#and#will#require#cleaning##
!
5)! !
Attach!Shovel:!Velcro!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow:!Plastic#Hood!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow:!SidePtoPSide#Movement#of#shovel#!
Disperse!Snow:!VPShaped#Shovel!
Dispense!Salt:!Motor#Powered!!
Melt!Snow:!Space#Heater!
!
Pros#
P! The#Velcro#is#very#easy#to#install,#and#the#shovel#can#be#attached#and#detached#with#
little#effort#
P! The#VPshaped/sidePtoPside#motion#shovel#allows#the#user#to#simply#push#the#snow#
to#the#desired#location#
P! The#space#heater#allows#the#user#to#melt#ice#around#the#wheelchair#
#
Cons#
P! Velcro#can#easily#come#off,#and#may#become#weaker#as#it#is#exposed#to#the#elements#
P! If#the#snow#becomes#to#heave#it#may#be#difficult#to#push#the#snow,#even#with#the#
sidePtoPside#movement#
P! The#space#heater#uses#a#lot#of#energy,#and#is#dangerous#
#
6)! !
Attach!Shovel:!Velcro!
POperate!Wheelchair!in!Snow:!Skis!
PPickup/Deposit!Snow:!Rotating#Shovel!!
PDisperse!Snow:!Rotating#Paddles!
PDispense!Salt:!Motor#Powered!!
PMelt!Snow:!Heat#coils#
!
!
!
$

27$

Pros#
P! The#skis#allow#the#user#to#glide#over#snow#that#might#be#difficult#to#wheel#through#
P! The#skis#along#with#the#heat#coils#in#the#shovel#will#make#it#easy#to#cut#through#ice#
and##
thick#snow#
P! The#rotating#paddles#will#push#aside#any#snow#that#may#be#to#thick#to#get#through#
#
Cons#
P! It#will#take#some#skill#using#the#skis,#meaning#the#user#will#need#practice#
P! The##heat#coils#present#potential#burn#dangers#
P! Skis#will#need#regular#maintained#
#
7)! !
Attach!Shovel:!Adjustable#Clamp!!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow:#Snow#Tires!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow:!Rotating#Shovel!
Disperse!Snow:!Blow#Fan!
Dispense!Salt:!Mechanically#Powered!
Melt!Snow:!Exothermic#Chemical#Reaction##
!
Pros#
P! The#adjustable#clamp#is#extremely#durable,#and#allows#the#shovel#to#be#attached#to#a#
wheelchair#of#any#size#
P! The#snow#tires#can#get#over#ice,#and#keeps#the#user#from#getting#stuck#in#thicker#
snow#
P! The#blow#fan#allows#the#user#to#blow#away#large#mounds#of#snow#that#are#difficult#
to#get#around#
#
Cons#
P! The#adjustable#clamp#can#become#rusted,#and#corroded#and#may#need#to#be#
replaced#over#time#
P! If#the#snow#tires#become#damaged,#it#could#be#an#expensive#to#buy#a#new#pair#
P! The#blow#can#be#dangerous,#and#it#will#be#difficult#to#control#the#direction#it#blows#
the#snow#
!
8)! !
Attach!Shovel:!Adjustable#Clamp!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow:!Skis!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow:!Attachable#Snow#blower!
Disperse!Snow:!Blow#Fan!
$

28$

Dispense!Salt:!Motor#Powered!!
Melt!Snow:!Space#Heater!
!

Pros#
P! This#is#a#set#up#with#very#little#physical#labor.#The#snow#blower#will#automatically#
remove#the#snow#and#the#skis#mean#the#user#needs#to#put#in#little#effort#when#
pushing#through#the#snow#
P! The#space#heater#melts#away#and#patches#of#snow#or#ice#that#is#left#behind#
P! The#adjustable#clamp#means#the#snow#blower#can#fit#on#a#variety#of#wheelchairs#
#
Cons#
P! This#set#up#could#be#difficult#to#control#since#there#is#very#little#input#from#the#user#
P! The#skis#could#become#damaged,#and#need#a#good#amount#of#maintenance###to#keep#
them#sharp##
P! The#salt#dispenser#will#need#a#power#source##
#
9)! !
Attach!Shovel:!Adjustable#Clamp!
POperate!Wheelchair!in!Snow:!Snow#Tires!
PPickup/Deposit!Snow:!SidePtoPSide#Movement#of#shovel!!
PDisperse!Snow:!VPShaped#Shovel!
PDispense!Salt:!Mechanical#Powered#!
PMelt!Snow:!Space#Heater!
!
Pros#
P! The#VPShaped#shovel#in#combination#with#the#side#to#side#movement#means#it#will#
be#very#easy#for#the#user#to#push#the#snow#to#desired#areas#
P! The#snow#tires#and#mechanical#powered#salt#dispenser#means#the#user#can#easily#
move#around#in#the#snow,#and#maximize#the#space#that#gets#salted#
P! The#adjustable#clamps#means#the#shovel#can#be#tightly#secured#to#any#size#
wheelchair##
#
Cons#
P! The#space#heater#requires#a#power#source#
P! Cannot#pick#up#snow,#meaning#that#heavies#mounds#of#snow#will#be#difficult#to#
move#
P! The#mechanical#powered#salt#dispenser#can#have#several#problems#since#it#has#a#lot#
of#moving#parts,#and#could#be#difficult#to#fix#
##
!
$

29$

10)!!
Attach!Shovel:!Snap#Tabs!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow:!Weighted#Wheels!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow:!Snow#Vacuum!!
Disperse!Snow:!Blower#Fan!
Dispense!Salt:!Motor#Powered!!
Melt!Snow:!Chemical#Reaction!!
!
Pros#
P! Snap#tabs#are#easy#to#install#and#the#device#can#easily#be#attached#to#the#wheelchair#
P! The#snow#vacuum#will#be#easy#to#use,#and#is#very#safe.#
P! The#weighted#wheel#allow#the#user#to#wheel#through#the#snow#without#needing#to#
exert#an#extreme#amount#of#energy#
Cons#
P! The#chemicals#for#the#exothermic#reaction#need#to#be#commercially#available#safe#and#
safe#
P! The#snow#vacuum#may#only#be#able#to#suck#up#a#small#area#of#snow#at#a#time##
P! Snap#tabs#can#break#easily#and#may#need#to#be#replaced#regularly#
#
11)!##
Attach!Shovel:!Velcro!
POperate!Wheelchair!in!Snow:!Plastic#Hood!
PPickup/Deposit!Snow:!Snow#Blower!
PDisperse!Snow:!Blower#Fan!
PDispense!Salt:!Motor#Powered!!
PMelt!Snow:!Space#Heater!
#
Pros#
P! Space#heater#can#easily#melt#snow#that#has#not#been#removed,#and#melt#any#ice#that#
may#have#been#left#in#the#area#of#interest#
P! Plastic#hood#can#protect#the#user#against#any#debris#being#launched#from#the#snow#
blower#
P! The#motor#powered#salt#dispenser#requires#not#work#from#the#user#
#
Cons#
P! Velcro#can#easily#come#off,#and#become#weathered#due#to#bad#conditions#
P! The#space#heater#is#a#potential#burn#danger#
P! The#Snow#blower#is#expensive#to#repair#and#replace#
#
#
$

30$

12)!#
Attach!Shovel:!Adjustable#Clamp!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow:!Weighted#Wheels!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow:!Snow#Vacuum!!
Disperse!Snow:!Blow#Fan!
Dispense!Salt:!Manually#Powered!!
Melt!Snow:!Space#Heater!
!
Pros#
P! The#manually#powered#salt#dispenser#allows#the#user#to#choose#where#they#want#to#
place#the#salt,#so#no#salt#is#wasted!
P! The#snow#vacuum,#is#easy#to#use#and#limits#the#required#physical#labor#to#clear#out#the#
snow!
P! The#weighted#wheels#make#it#easier#for#the#user#to#push#through#thicker#snow!
!
Cons#
P! The#vacuum#can#only#clear#out#small#areas#of#snow#at#a#time!
P! The#whole#vacuum#may#need#to#be#replaced#if#it#becomes#damaged#!
P! The#manually#powered#salt#dispenser#may#become#tedious#to#use!
!
13)!!
Attach!Shovel:!Flexible#Plastic#Ring!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow:!Skis!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow:!SidePtoPSide#Movement#of#shovel!!
Disperse!Snow:!VPShaped#Shovel!
Dispense!Salt:!Motor#Powered!!
Melt!Snow:!Chemical#Reaction!
!
Pros#
P! Flexible#ring#makes#it#easy#to#attach#the#shovel#to#the#wheelchair!
P! Skis#allow#the#user#to#safely#get#over#ice,#and#thin#patches#of#snow!
P! The#vPshaped#shovel,#and#side#to#side#movement#allows#the#user#to#easily#push#the#
snow#to#desired#areas!
!
Cons#
P! The#user#may#need#to#some#skill#and#practice#to#use#the#skis!
P! The#flexible#plastic#ring#could#break,#meaning#it#needs#to#be#replaced!
P! The#motor#powered#salt#dispenser#could#use#more#salt#then#the#user#wants#(limited#
control)!
!
$

31$

!
14)!!
Attach!Shovel:!Velcro!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow:!Snow#Tires!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow:!Rotary#Shovel!!
Disperse!Snow:!Rotary#Paddles!
!Dispense!Salt:!Mechanical#Powered!!
Melt!Snow:!Heat#Coils!!
!
Pros#
P! Velcro#is#simple#to#attach,#and#use.#Requires#minimum#labor,#and#no#additional#tools#
P! The#shovel/paddle#combination#means#thick#snow#is#being#pushed#away#allowing#the#
user#to#pick#up#lighter#load#of#snow#
P! The#heat#coils#allows#the#user#to#get#through#thick#snow#and#ice#
#
Cons#
P! Heat#coils#are#a#potential#burn#hazard#
P! The#dispense#salt#is#mechanically#powered#which#means#the#user#will#have#less#control#
of#where#the#salt#is#being#dispensed#
P! The#rotary#paddles#and#multiple#parts#mean#if#this#part#gets#damaged,#it#could#be#
difficult#to#repair#
#
15)!!
Attach!Shovel:!Snap#Tabs!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow:!Skis!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow:!Rotary#SidePtoPSide#movement!!
Disperse!Snow:!VPShaped#Shovel!
Dispense!Salt:!Manually#Powered!!
Melt!Snow:!Space#Heater!
#
Pros#
P! The#vPshaped#shovel#with#side#to#side#movement#makes#it#easy#for#the#user#to#push#the#
snow#
P! The#skis#make#it#easy#for#the#user#to#get#over#ice,#and#keep#their#momentum.#
P! The#manually#powered#salt#dispenser#allows#the#user#to#choose#the#areas#where#ths#salt#
is#placed#
#
Cons#
P! #Snap#tabs#can#break#easily#if#enough#stress#is#put#into#them#so#they#may#need#to#be#
replaced#regularly#
$

32$

P! #The#space#heater#poses#a#potential#burn#hazard#
P! The#skis#take#practice#to#use,#and#it#can#be#difficult#to#control#the#chair#
#
16)!#
Attach!Shovel:!Snap#Tabs!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow:!Plastic#Hood!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow:!!Rotary#Shovel!
Disperse!Snow:!Blow#Fan#
Dispense!Salt:!Mechanical#Power!!
Melt!Snow:!Heat#Coils!!
!
Pros#
P! Heat#coils#allow#the#user#to#easily#cut#through#ice#and#thick#snow#
P! Blow#fan#pushes#as#large#amount#of#snow#away,#making#it#easier#to#push#through#the#
snow#
P! The#mechanical#powered#salt#dispenser#turns#the#energy#in#the#wheels#into#useful#work#
Cons#
P! Blow#fan#can#be#a#safety#hazard#
P! The#plastic#hood#can#become#dirty,#and#foggy#so#it#will#need#to#be#maintained##
P! The#heat#coils#can#pose#a#potential#burn#hazard#
#
17)!!
PAttach!Shovel:!Adjustable#Clamp!
POperate!Wheelchair!in!Snow:!Plastic#Hood!
PPickup/Deposit!Snow:!Snow#Blower!
PDisperse!Snow:!Blow#Fan!
P!Dispense!Salt:!Motor#Powered!!
PMelt!Snow:Exothermic!Chemical#Reaction!
!
Pros:#
P! The#adjustable#clamp#allows#the#snow#blower#to#be#easily#attached#to#a#wheelchair#of#
any#size!
P! The#plastic#hood#protects#the#user#from#the#snow#being#pushed#out#from#the#snow#
blower!
P! The#chemical#reaction#is#a#quick#way#to#melt#away#snow!
!
Cons:#
P! The#snow#blower#can#be#difficult#to#repair#if#it#gets#damaged#
P! Snow#blower#can#be#a#potential#safety#hazard#due#to#moving#parts#

33$

P! The#motor#powered#salt#dispenser#can#make#it#difficult#for#the#user#to#choose#in#what#
areas#the#salt#gets#dispensed#
#
18)!!
Attach!Shovel;!Flexible#Plastic#Ring!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow;!Snow#Tires!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow;!Snow#Vacuum!
Disperse!Snow;!Blow#Fan!
!Dispense!Salt;!Motor#Powered!!
Melt!Snow;!Space#Heater!
!
Pros:#
P! The#space#heater#melts#any#excess#snow#or#ice#left#behind#by#the#user!
P! The#flexible#plastic#ring#makes#it#easy#for#the#user#to#attach#the#vacuum#to#their#
wheelchair!
P! The#snow#tires#makes#it#easy#for#the#user#to#get#through#thick#and#wet#snow!
!
Cons:#
P! The#space#heater#uses#excess#energy,#and#will#require#a#power#sources#
P! The#snow#tires#will#be#expensive#to#replace#when#the#tired#become#bald#
P! The#flexible#plastic#ring#can#easily#be#damaged#
#
19)!!
Attach!Shovel;!Adjustable#Clamp!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow;!Weighted#Wheels!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow;!Rotary#Shovel!!
Disperse!Snow;!Rotary#Paddles!
Dispense!Salt;!Mechanical#Powered!!
Melt!Snow;!Heat#Coils!!
!
Pros#
P! The#weighted#wheels#makes#it#easier#for#the#user#to#push#their#wheelchair,#especially#
through#snow#
P! The#rotary#paddles#push#away#thicker#snow,#while#the#rotary#shovel#lifts#the#rest#of#the#
snow#and#allows#the#user#to#place#the#snow#in#desired#areas#
P! The#rotary#paddles#turn#the#energy#in#the#wheels#into#useful#work#
#
Cons#
P! The#rotary#paddles#have#many#moving#parts,#so#it#can#be#difficult#to#repair#if#damaged#
P! Heat#coils#pose#a#potential#burn#hazard#
$

34$

P! The#adjustable#clamp#can#become#rusted,#and#will#need#to#be#replaced#after#some#times#
#
20)!!
Attach!Shovel;!Snap#Tabs!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow;!Ski!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow;!Snow#Blower#
Disperse!Snow;!Blow#Fan!!
Dispense!Salt;!Motor#Powered!!
Melt!Snow;!Exothermic!Chemical#Reaction!
!
Pros#
P! Snap#tabs#are#very#simple#to#use,#and#do#not#require#any#extra#tools#when#attaching#
snow#blower#to#wheelchair!
P! The#snow#blower/ski#combination#makes#it#easy#for#the#user#to#cut#through#thick#snow#
quickly,#and#efficiently!
P! Chemical#reactions#is#an#easy#way#to#melt#ice,#and#snow#that#has#been#left#behind!
!
Cons#
P! Snap#tabs#can#break#easily,#and#will#need#to#be#replaced#frequently!
P! Exothermic#chemical#reactions#can#be#dangerous,#and#the#chemicals#need#to#be#easily#
obtained!
P! Skis#need#to#be#maintained,#and#sharpened#often!
!
21)!!
Attach!Shovel;!Velcro!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow;!Weighted#Wheels!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow;!Rotary#Shovels!
Disperse!Snow;!Rotary#Paddles!
Dispense!Salt;!Mechanical#Powered!!
Melt!Snow;!Heat#Coils!!
!
Pros:#
P! The#heat#coils#make#it#easy#for#the#user#to#get#through#thick#ice#and#snow#
P! The#rotary#shovel,#along#with#the#weighted#wheels#makes#it#easy#for#the#user#to#
maneuver#through#snow,#and#pick#up#and#carry#large#mounds#of#snow#
P! The#Velcro#is#easy#to#attach,#and#requires#no#extra#assembly#
#
Cons:#
P! Velcro#can#easily#become#damaged#and#fall#off#

35$

P! The#mechanical#powered#salt#dispenser#makes#it#hard#for#the#user#to#choose#where#to#
dispense#the#salt,#and#how#much#to#dispense#
P! The#heats#coils#presents#a#possible#burn#hazard#
#
22)!!
Attach!Shovel;!Adjustable#Clamp!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow;!Ski!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow;!SidePtoPSide#Movement!
Disperse!Snow;!VPshaped#Shovel!
Dispense!Salt;!Manual#Power!
Melt!Snow;!Space#Heater!
!
Pros#
P! The#manual#powered#salt#dispenser#allows#the#user#to#choose#where#they#want#to#put#
the#salt#
P! Space#heater#easily#melts#ice#and#snow#without#an#additional#work#from#the#user#
P! The#vPshaped#shovel#with#the#side#to#side#movement#allows#the#user#to#easily#push#the#
snow#to#desired#areas#
#
Cons#
P! The#adjustable#clamp#can#become#rusted#and#corroded#
P! The#skis#need#a#lot#of#maintenance#to#make#sure#they#do#not#get#damaged#
P! The#space#heater#uses#additional#energy#and#needs#a#power#source##
!
23)!!
Attach!Shovel;!Flexible#Plastic#Ring!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow;#Plastic#Hood!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow;!Rotary#Shovel!!
Disperse!Snow;!Rotary#Paddles!
Dispense!Salt;!Motor#Powered!!
Melt!Snow;!Heat#Coils!!
!
Pros#
P! The#plastic#hood#protects#the#user#from#the#elements,#and#any#snow#that#may#be#blown#
off#the#shovel#
P! The#rotary#shovel#gives#the#user#an#easy#way#to#pick#up#the#snow#with#the#shovel#and#
put#it#down#to#desired#areas#
P! The#heated#coils#allows#the#user#to#cut#through#large#mounds#of#snow,#and#thick#ice.#
#
#
$

36$

Cons#
P! Heat#coils#pose#a#potential#burn#hazard#
P! The#rotary#shovel#may#be#difficult#to#pull#up#if#there#is#too#much#snow#on#the#shovel#
(depends#on#the#strength#of#the#user)#
P! The#plastic#hood#can#crack,#and#may#need#to#be#replaced#
#
24)!!
Attach!Shovel;!Snap#Tabs!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow;!Snow#Tires!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow;!Snow#Vacuum!!
!Disperse!Snow;!Blow#Fan!
Dispense!Salt;!Mechanical#Powered!!
Melt!Snow;!Exothermic#Chemical#Reaction!!
!
Pros#
P! Snap#tabs#are#very#simple#to#use,#and#require#no#tools#to#attach#the#vacuum#to#the#
wheel#chair#
P! The#mechanical#powered#salt#dispenser#turns#the#energy#going#into#the#wheels#into#
useful#work#
P! The#snow#vacuum#is#easy#to#use#and#has#minimal#safety#hazards.#
#
Cons:#
P! The#vacuum#can#only#clear#out#a#small#area#at#a#time#
P! The#snow#tires#will#be#expensive#to#replace#once#they#old#pair#becomes#bald#
P! Snap#tabs#can#break#easily,#and#will#need#to#replaced#frequently#
#
25)!!
Attach!Shovel;!Velcro!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow;!Skis!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow;!SidePtoPSide#movement!
Disperse!Snow;!VPShaped#plow!
Dispense!Salt;!Motor#Powered!
Melt!Snow;!Space#Heater!
!
Pros:#
P! The#skis#along#with#the#vPshaped#shovel#allows#the#user#to#quickly#push#the#snow#to#
desired#areas#
P! Velcro#is#extremely#easy#to#use,#and#allows#the#user#to#easily#attach#and#detach#the#
plow##
P! The#space#heater#melts#and#extra#ice#or#snow#that#was#left#behind#from#the#shovel#
$

37$

#
Cons:#
P! Velcro#will#need#to#be#replaced#often#to#optimize#the#design#
P! Skis#will#need#to#maintained#regularly#to#make#sure#they#can#easily#glide#over#the#snow#
P! The#space#heater#will#require#a#power#sources#
#
#
#
26)!!
Attach!Shovel;!Velcro!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow;!Snow#Tires!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow;!Snow#Blower!
Disperse!Snow;!Blow#Fan!
Dispense!Salt;!Manual#Powered!!
Melt!Snow;!Exothermic#Chemical#Reaction!
!
Pros#
P! Snow#blower/snow#tires#combination#makes#it#very#easy#for#the#user#to#cut#through#a#
lot#of#snow#in#a#short#amount#of#time#
P! The#manual#powered#salt#dispenser#allows#the#user#to#choose#when#and#where#the#salt#
is#dispensed#
P! Velcro#is#easy#to#use,#and#requires#no#extra#tools#in#order#to#attach#snow#blower#to#
wheelchair#
#
Cons#
P! Snow#tires#can#be#expensive#to#replace#
P! The#snow#blower#can#be#difficult#to#fix#if#it#runs#into#problems#
P! Chemicals#must#be#readily#available#if#they#are#used#to#melt#the#snow#
#
27)!!
!!!!!Attach!Shovel;!Adjustable#Clamp!!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow;!Snow#Tires!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow;!Rotary#Shovel!!
Disperse!Snow;!Rotary#Paddles!
Dispense!Salt;!Mechanical#Powered!!
Melt!Snow;!Heat#Coils!!
!
Pros#
P! The#snow#tires#make#it#easy#for#users#to#get#through#heavy#and#wet#snow.#
P! The#mechanical#powered#salt#dispenser#turns#the#energy#in#the#wheels#into#useful#work#
$

38$

P! The#heat#coils#allow#the#user#to#get#through#ice,#and#heavy#snow#
#
Cons#
P! The#rotary#paddles#have#a#lot#of#moving#parts,#so#it#is#difficult#to#repair#them#if#they#get#
damaged#
P! The#adjustable#clamp#can#become#rusted,#and#need#to#be#replaced##
P! The#rotary#shovel#may#be#to#heavy#for#the#user#to#lift#up##
#
28)!!
Attach!Shovel;!Flexible#Plastic#Ring!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow;!Skis!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow;!Snow#blower!!
Disperse!Snow;!Blow#Fan!
Dispense!Salt;!Manual#Powered!
Melt!Snow;!Space#Heater!
!
Pros#
P! The#flexible#plastic#rings#make#it#easy#to#attach#the#snow#blower#onto#a#wheelchair#of#
any#size#
P! The#skis#allows#the#user#to#safely#move#across#the#snow#and#ice#
P! The#space#heater#melts#and#ice#that#the#snow#blower#went#over#
#
Cons#
P! Snow#blowers#can#be#expensive#to#replace#
P! The#plastic#rings#may#crack,#and#will#need#to#inspected#and#changed#if#any#
imperfections#are#found#
P! The#space#heater#will#require#an#additional#power#source#
#
#
#
29)!!
Attach!Shovel;!Snap#Tabs!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow;!Weighted#Wheels!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow;!SidePtoPSide#movement!!
Disperse!Snow;!VPshaped#shovel!
Dispense!Salt;!Motor#powered!!
Melt!Snow;!Exothermic#Chemical#Process!
!
Pros#
P! Snap#tabs#are#very#easy#to#use#and#minimizes#the#time#it#takes#to#attach#the#shovel#
$

39$

P! The#side#to#side#movement#with#the#v#shaped#shovel#makes#it#easy#for#the#user#to#push#
the#snow#to#desired#areas#
P! The#motor#powered#salt#dispenser#makes#automatically#spreads#the#salt#onto#area#
under#the#chair#
#
Cons#
P! Snap#tabs#break#easily#and#will#need#to#be#replaced#frequently#
P! Chemicals#need#to#be#safe#and#readily#available#for#the#exothermic#process#
P! Salt#needs#to#be#regularly#added#to#the#dispenser#
#
30)!!
Attach!Shovel;!Adjustable#Clamp!!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow;#Skis!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow;!Rotary#Shovel!!
Disperse!Snow;!Rotary#Paddles!
Dispense!Salt;!Mechanical#Powered!!
Melt!Snow;!Heat#Coils!!
#
Pros#
P! The#heat#coils#allows#the#use#to#easily#get#through#ice#and#heavy#snow#
P! Skis#allows#the#user#to#quickly#move#over#the#snow#and#the#ice#
P! The#rotary#shovel#allows#the#user#to#pick#up#the#snow#and#move#is#to#desired#areas#
#
Cons#
P! #Rotary#paddles#have#a#lot#of#moving#parts#and#will#be#difficult#to#repair#if#they#get#
damaged#
P! The#skis#need#to#maintained#and#sharpened#regularly#so#they#can#cut#through#the#ice##
P! The#heat#coils#are#a#possible#burn#hazard##

!
As#you#can#see#we#were#able#to#generate#30#unique#solutions#using#the#morphological#
matrix.#The#next#step#is#to#filter#these#30#solutions#down#to#10.#This#was#done#via#a#
group#vote.#All#of#the#group#members#were#told#to#select#there#5#favorite#solutions.#Our#
choices#were#compared#and#we#chose#the#most#frequent#of#them#for#our#10#finalists.#The#
next#step#was#to#narrow#the#10#choice#down#to#5.#This#was#done#via#objective#selection.#
Pughs#method#was#used#to#filter#down#to#the#5#best#solutions.#First#a#concept#screen#is#
conducted#in#order#produce#the#5#most#viable#solutions.##From#there,#the#concept#
scoring#is#used#to#determine#the#best#solution.#This#process#is#more#finely#detailed#with#
a#finer#quantitative#evaluation#using#a#scoring#matrix.#Both#of#these#processes#are#
displayed#on#the#next#page.#

40$

!
!

Figure!8:!Concept!Screening!
!
As#you#can#see#we#were#able#to#screen#our#ten#solutions#using#this#scoring#system#and#rating#different#parameters.#Doing#so#led#us#to#
our#top#five#solutions.#From#here,#we#used#the#concept#scoring#on#the#next#page.###

!
!
!
!

!
!

Figure!9:!Concept!Scoring!
!
In#the#concept#screening#we#first#decided#on#the#weight#percentage#of#each#parameter#as#a#group.#We#decided#ease#of#use,#required#
force#and#weight#were#the#most#important.#Once#all#weights#were#selected,#each#solution#was#ranked#on#a#1C5#scale.#The#total#score#was#
found#and#our#best#solution#turned#out#to#be#System#22:##

22)!!
Attach!Shovel;!Adjustable#Clamp!
Operate!Wheelchair!in!Snow;!Ski!
Pickup/Deposit!Snow;!SideCtoCSide#Movement!
Disperse!Snow;!VCshaped#Shovel!
Dispense!Salt;!Manual#Power!
Melt!Snow;!Space#Heater!

!
As#a#group#we#were#pleased#with#results#and#feel#that#system#22#provides#a#very#realistic#and#innovative#approach#to#our#problem.##
!

42!

!
5.0!Revised!Product!Design!Specifications!!
!
Based&of&the&results&of&this&memo,&minor&changes&were&made&to&the&design&
specifications.&Changes&are&indicated&in&red.&&

!
Function:&
The&wheelchair&snow&shovel&attachment&will&assist&wheelchair&users&with&the&difficult&
job&of&shoveling&snow&in&the&winter.&The&product&will&easily&attach&to&any&size&
wheelchair&and&will&be&lightweight&in&order&to&reduce&the&required&user&strength.&
Customer&Requirements&(in&order&of&importance):&
1.!
2.!
3.!
4.!
5.!
6.!
7.!

Maneuverability&&
Ease&of&Use&
Reliability&&
Weight&
Safety&
Durability&
Required&Force&
&
Engineering&Characteristics&(in&order&of&importance):&
1.! Must&of&relatively&low&forces&to&operate&
2.! Must&have&strong&material&&
3.! Must&have&secure&joint&&
4.! Must&be&able&to&withstand&certain&tensile&and&compressive&forces&
&
Design&Requirements:&&
1.! Physical&and&Operation&Characteristics&&
a.! Performance,Requirements:,The&wheelchair&snow&shovel&attachment&
will&essentially&allow&a&wheelchair&to&turn&into&a&snowplow&and&
easily&disperse&snow.&The&attachment&will&not&add&any&required&
force&to&operate&the&wheelchair&and&will&easily&attach&to&a&wide&
variety&of&wheelchair&sizes.,
b.! Safety:,The&attachment&will&be&securely&fastened&to&the&wheelchair&
in&order&to&prevent&any&possible&injuries&during&operation.,
c.! Reliability:&The&attachment&will&have&similar&effectiveness&to&a&hand&
snow&shovel&,

d.! Life,in,Service:&The&wheelchair&snow&shovel&attachment&will&have&a&
similar&life&span&to&that&of&a&hand&shovel&(approximately&5&years),
e.! Shelf,Life:,Infinite,
f.! Operating,Environment:,Given&the,nature&of&our&product,&it&will&
obviously&need&to&operate&in&harsh&winter&conditions.&In&its&lifetime,&
the&product&will&be&exposed&to&ice,&snow,&slush&and&freezing&
temperatures.&The&product&will&therefore&be&designed&to&withstand&
said&conditions,
g.! Ergonomics:,The&product&will&be&easily&adjustable,,using&a&simple&
mechanical&mechanism.&The&connection&point&will&be&simple&and&
straightforward.&,
h.! Size:,The&size&of&the&attachment&will&ideally&be&similar&to&that&of&a&
snow&shovel&head&(8.5&x&18&x&5).,
i.! Weight:,The&preliminary&weight&goal&is,10&pounds,
j.! Materials:,The&preliminary&material&goal&is&a&hard&plastic&of&some&
sort.&&
k.! Aesthetics,,Appearance,and,Finish:,The&attachment&will&have&a&glossy&
finish&and&sleek&design.,
2.&Production&Characteristics&&
a.! Quantity:&Multiple,&depending&on&success&of&product.,
b.! Target,Selling,Price:,$50,,
c.! Manufacturing,Process:,Injection&molding,

44!

Appendix(A:(Image(Links(

(
Flexible!Plastic!Ring!
http://i01.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/1619287915/custom_Flexible_Plastic_Lamp_Shade_H
ole_Size.jpg!
!
Snap!Tabs!
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ec/Ensamblaje_snapOfit.jpg!
!
Velcro!
http://static1.squarespace.com/static/5433f770e4b050842519f46e/5435731ee4b00e7afabc
8572/55215eb2e4b07056fd900176/1428250290685/velcro_tape_3.jpg?format=500w!
!
Adjustable!Clamp!
http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/035119/035119011562lg.jpg!
!
Attachable!Snow!Blower!
http://www.atvsnowblowers.com/images/snowhogg2_034.jpg!
!
Snow!Vacuum!
http://www.snowplowtalk.com/wpOcontent/uploads/2014/09/blowOsnowOwithOshopO
vac.min_.jpg!
!
VOShape!Shovel!
http://www.midOstatetruck.com/wpOcontent/themes/mte2010/images/bossOpolyO
powerOvOxtO275px.png!
!
SideOtoOSide!Motion!Shovel!
http://www.advancedspaandpool.com/wpO
content/uploads/2012_GMFleet_specialty_vehicles_snow_plow_960x388_01.jpg!
!
Rotating!Paddles!
http://iboatsupplies.com/prodimages/img3.jpg!
!
Blow!Fan!
http://ecx.imagesOamazon.com/images/I/51rqPG38vAL._SX342_.jpg!
!
Motor!Powered!Salt!Dispenser!!

45!

http://www.jecltd.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb
8d27136e95/m/a/magnum_s575p_salt_spreader_O_mms575_O_jec_2.jpg!
!
Mechanically!Powered!Salt!Dispenser!
http://www.autoaccessoriesgarage.com/img/group/main/53/5312_1_lg.jpg!
!
Manually!Activated!Salt!Dispenser!
http://cdn.buildresources.co.uk/sites/863/cache/GalleryifWinterO
maintenanceifTractorOtowedOsaltOspreadersOgrittersifTS5000OHighOCapacityOSaltO
Spreaderts5000Othumb_1347393424_stretch_w350_h280px.jpg!
!
Heating!Coils!!
http://www.mhiOinc.com/IMAGES/high_temp_coil_glow.jpg!
!
Exothermic!Chemical!Reactions!!
http://images.tutorvista.com/contentimages/science/CBSEXScience/Ch518/images/img
64.jpeg!
!
Space!Heater!
!http://demandware.edgesuite.net/aayh_prd/on/demandware.static/O/SitesO
itemmaster_Brookstone/default/dwc95ba2cd/hiOres/730339.jpg!
!
Snow!Tires!
http://www.renegadewheelchairs.com/info.php?id=99&cid=5&!
&
Ice!Chipper&
http://www.locationequipmentsupply.com/products/preview/109&
&
Wheel!Weights!
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?139839OGuideOtoOHandOSortingO
WheelOWeights!
!
Plastic!hood!
http://www.mdsassociates.com/catalog/pO102983/23Olb001ObowmanOclearOplasticO
protectiveObioOshieldOsplashOguards!
!
Wheel!Chair!Skis!
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/539939442795273300/!
!
!
!

46!

Rotating!Shovel!
http://www.equipmentspecialistsinc.com/cmsOdisplay/meyer_parts_plus_st.html!
&
RC&Snow&Blower&
http://jimbomatison.blogspot.com/2015/02/remote\control\rc\cars\2015.html&&
&
Large&Wheel&
http://www.amazon.com/SnowOSW0310OWheeledOShovelOStrip/dp/B001I7JWTO!!
!
V!shaped!shovel!with!rotational!movement!
http://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/US20110258888A1/US20110258888A1O
20111027OD00000.png!!
!
Heated!Seat!!
http://www.teryxforums.net/attachments/twistedOstitchOseats/4810d1276107148OteryxO
stockOheatedOseatOcoverOteryxOheatedOseatOcover.jpg!!
!
Wheel!Skis!
http://cdn2.ubergizmo.com/wpOcontent/uploads/2012/04/wheelblades.jpg!!
!
Snow!Tires!
https://gosimplefinance.com/wpOcontent/uploads/2013/12/winterOtires.jpg!!
Water!Resistant!Coating&
http://pimg.tradeindia.com/01729744/b/1/WaterOResistantOCoating.jpg!!
&
&
&
&
&
&
&
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!

47!

Appendix!B:!Meeting!Minutes!!
!
!
!

!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!

48!

!
!
!

!
!
!

49!

50!