Permobil engineer designs fully functioning LEGO version of its F5 Corpus VS power wheelchair
A front-wheel-drive standing power chair by Swedish mobility equipment manufacturer Permobil could soon be immortalised in LEGO format if it gets enough support, after an innovative idea was posted on the LEGO Ideas website earlier this month.
Anton Danielsson, a Permobil Lead Engineer who was on the design team for the M Corpus VS, Permobil’s mid-wheel-drive standing power chair, designed the LEGO version of the Permobil F5 Corpus VS power chair.
The LEGO version of the F5 Corpus VS measures 16cm long, 12cm wide and 17cm tall, and is made up by just over 400 pieces.
Anton stated: “I chose an F5 Corpus VS since it’s a high-end product and one of the best-looking wheelchairs out there! I wanted to include all the features and moving parts in the build because there is no point in having a model of this chair if no-one can see the cool stuff it does.”
The model features functioning anterior and posterior tilt and the seat can be moved to a standing position. Just as the actual F5 Corpus VS does, the LEGOo model has individual suspension on all four wheels, and it includes smaller features, such as foldable armrests and footplates.
The LEGO Ideas Web site gives consumers the opportunity to create LEGO products they would like to see made available commercially. The next step in the process is amassing 10,000 supporters — members of the public who log onto the LEGO Ideas website and vote their approval for the concept.
Project ideas that reach the 10,000-supporter mark are then considered for commercial production. At press time, the LEGO F5 Corpus VS project had more than 1,600 supporters.
In his post on the LEGO Ideas website, Anton stated that he was “constantly inspired” by the individuals who use wheelchairs, and how they use their “determination and problem-solving capabilities” to overcome different physical limitations.
He added: “With this build, I wanted to celebrate inclusivity by building a fully functioning Permobil F5 Corpus VS power wheelchair in LEGO. In so many ways, LEGO is the perfect match to make a high-functioning wheelchair re-creation because anyone and everyone can build with LEGO.
“A power wheelchair is a very advanced electromechanical product and I think that there are lots of people out there that are fascinated by wheelchairs and their capabilities. What better way than to build your own to learn how they work and function. As a bonus, you get an insight into the challenges and lives of wheelchair users.”
To read more about the project and add your support, visit here.
