Design optimization in manufacturing and assembly of a technical assistance product for people with reduced mobility on the beach

Abstract

The beaches are one of the most fantastic tourist attractions in Costa Rica, and 76% of foreign tourists pass through our beaches during their stay in the country. In fact, Costa Rica was chosen as the best destination in the world for the retired population.

However, curiously, one of our beaches' most significant problems is that very few are accessible and friendly for people with disabilities or older adults. There are currently only seven beaches with wheelchair ramps or accessible entrances in the country. Amphibio crutches were designed to solve this problem, a technical aid so that people with reduced lower mobility can enjoy this environment. The Design for X and Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) methodology was studied and applied to optimize the product's manufacturing process and conclude with a new version with significant improvements in its assembly and manufacturing process. By implementing these methodologies in the development of the product, a new design was generated. Through this, it considers the user and its manufacture and assembly. Significant improvements can be observed in terms of the number of parts, primary materials, types of joints, and manufacturing processes.