Switch Latch

Swift Latch

For a class project, we worked to address a challenge faced by wheelchair users at Alexian Brothers Rehabilitation Hospital (ABRH), who require seat belts for safety but struggle with the current hook-and-loop straps due to cleaning and security issues. The design had to meet ABRH’s no-restraint restrictions, ensuring patients could latch and unlatch the seat belt independently, while also being easy to clean it with wet wipes. After testing mockups with wheelchair users and incorporating feedback, we developed the Swift Latch, featuring a large press button and a tapered shell for easy operation by patients with limited motor control. Made from materials compatible with ABRH’s cleaning guidelines, the Swift Latch also includes adjustable webbing and carabiners to fit various wheelchair sizes. This solution balances patient safety, independence, and caregiver convenience.

Research: Our team went to ABRH and met with wheelchair users to measure and understand the wheelchair seat belt apparatus. Meeting with the wheelchair users provided us with insighful information on what physical limitations our users had.

Prototyping: We 3D-modeled and printed our Swift Latch to see what specific shape and size we wanted our product to be. Many iterations were made to understand optimal printing patterns, edge angles, and overall dimensions.

Testing: The Swift Latch was a succesful project and the therapsists and patients and ABRH loved our design. The large button makes it easy for patients to unbuckle and the tapered opening makes it easy to buckle without assistance from physcial therapists.