D4E1 -Lighting for Walker (Gemino 30)

This project is a collaboration between occupational therapy and industrial product design students from Howest University in Belgium (Kortrijk). In this project we searched together with users of a rollator for their problems. When we had a good overview of what could be better we made a list and took out 1 problem. For our user the problem was to be visible on the street. This is solved with a light that is easily removable and controllable by people with motor disabilities.

Our light is very user friendly for rollator users. It is fully detachable with 1 hand so there is less chance of falling. Also the design fits well with the rollator.

Students:

Marie (occupational therapy)

Zeynep (industrial product design)

Jonas (industrial product design)

This project is a collaboration between disciplines from Howest University in Kortrijk (Belgium). You can check the rest of the projects of D4E1 at designforeveryone.howest.be.

What will you need for making the light:

Access to a 3D printer

Filament (PLA, color you prefer)

1x pressure lamp (3x= €2.58) website: (https://www.action.com/nl-be/p/druklampen-/)

1x round lamp whit round glas (https://www.cofan.es/cz/detaily-produktu/3898/round-24-led-lamp-magnethook/)

screwdriver to assemble/disassemble

countersink drill

Some tools to remove the printed support

Sandpaper

spray putty (additional)

color spray (additional)

flat head screw 3.5x16mm

narrow anti-slip strip (easy to find in stores)

The light consists of 2 parts the light and the connection to the walker.

On the images above you can see the layout how to place the pieces on the PCB surface. Be sure not to place the connection part differently as it should be somewhat flexible.

The used layer heights is 0.2mm so the pieces are easily finished.

The finishing only needs to be done to the housing and the ground plate piece. The connection piece doesn't need to be done because the paint can come off when you put it over the walker tube.

Step1: Sanding the two pieces.

step2: spray a thin layer of spray putty. (let it dry for 30 minutes)

Step3: Sand the piece again.

step4: If the pieces are not completely smooth repeat the steps.

Step5: Sanding with 1000 grit sandpaper and water.

step6: Spray with the color spray (additional).

Step1: Buy the light (link).

Step2: Take the back off. (you have to keep the back)

Step3: Unscrew the 3 small screws.

Step4: Take out the piece with the light plate. (necessary piece).

Step5: Shorten the screw legs with a saw.

step6: countersink the holes so the screws are away.

Step1 Buy the light (link).

Step2 Unscrew back cover.

Step3 Snap the inside out with flat screwdriver. 

Step4 Take out the glass.(necessary piece)

Component parts:

ground plate

reflector plate

housing

back side light 1

plate with LED's light 1

glass light 2

screws m3

assembling the light:

Step1: Hang the back of lamp one with the adhesive into the ground plate.

Step2: Take the glass of lamp two and click it onto the reflector plate.

Step3: Place the assembly of the glass and reflector plate in the housing.

Step4: Take the plate of light 1 with the LED's and place it in the housing.

Step5: Screw the plate in place.

Step6: Turn the ground plate on the housing and the light itself is ready.

Finally, the connection piece has to be prepared.

Step1: place the anti slip strips in the piece (see picture)

Step2: all parts are ready now you can click the connection piece on the tube of the rollator.

Step3: when the connection piece is on the tube you can slide the light on the guiding system.

How to use:

The light goes on and off when you tap on the glass.

The base plate is designed so that people with motor difficulties can easily take it off. There are two dots on it, so they can more easily put force on it.