This project’s objective is to develop design specifications for a wheelchair ramp that is modular, reliable, and sustainable. The project will use PET for multiple reasons; it is lightweight enough to be of feasible weight to maintain modularity, it’s use in the ramp makes the idea more marketable as a ramp “made of plastic bottles” in an economy increasingly focused on sustainability, and it is unique which contributes to the nonobviousness aspect of patentability for the structure. By using repurposed material, material costs can be cut, the concept is more marketable and unique in today’s competitive world, and, most importantly in the context of the current climate crisis, sustainability can be ethically achieved. By accomplishing these goals, the project has the potential to have a lasting impact on not just the disabled individuals who will be directly served, but on everyone through its indirect environmental benefits.

Our team collaborated with Mechanical Engineering 2 on this project.