List of tables
3.3 Feasibility study
The feasibility study was conducted in selected riverine areas in Assam and in IIT Guwahati. The feasibility study was carried out presuming that the original need does indeed have present existence or strong evidence of latent existence. The first step in the feasibility study demonstrated this need to be valid. In the second step, design problem generated by the established need was explored to identify its
various elements such as parameters, constraints, and major design criteria. In the third step, a number of feasible sets in three steps on the basis of physical realisability, economic worthwhileness, and financial feasibility were considered.
Feasibility study process after it has completed, finally indicated that a current and potential need exists. It also helped to formulate the design problem and possibility that useful solutions can be found.
3.3.1 Establishing economic existence of the identified need
The first step in feasibility design is establishing the economic existence of the identified need. The starting point of the design research project was a hypothetical need that had been observed during the research on the socio- economic scenarios. The need existed during the initiation of the project, and there was evidence that it is latent and that it may arise when socio-economic means for its satisfaction through design intervention become available.
3.3.2 Identification and formulation of the design problem
The second step in the feasibility study is the identification and formulation of the design of amphibian ambulance. The following factors were identified and design problem was formulated in the preliminary design of the ambulance.
The initially conceived design is a small boat with Catamaran type hull to provide stability in water and facilitate its movement through water with ease; for movement on land with comfort, it is fitted appropriately with 3 wheels similar to a delta configured tricycle.
The driving mechanism is foot pedalling similar to a common form of tandem tricycle for an able-bodied user with the stretcher for the patient placed between rider and attendant.
Design should accommodate three persons with the ergonomic arrangement; one for the rider controlling the vehicle, another for the attendant to look after the patient and assist the rider in propelling the ambulance and third one, in the form of a stretcher for the patient to be carried to health care centre.
Provision to safely and comfortably transport a patient and attendant and protect the users from elements of nature.
Provision of proper space for the user to carry first-aid equipment.
Appropriate ground clearance for ease of movement in riverine landscape (280 mm to 300 mm from the ground level to the chassis level).
Provision of grab rail for getting in and out of the ambulance with ease of access by the users and to provide support for getting the ambulance in and out of the water with ease.
The patient should be made to feel comfortable. The angle of the seat and stretcher is maintained at around 10 degrees, which is an ergonomically optimum angle for sleeping/lying down purpose. The size of the Indian standard stretcher is 1850 mm × 610 mm (Narang Medical Ltd., 2015).
Proper space for carrying medicine, fast-aid, water bottles and other luggage is to be provided. Reinforced platform for enabling it to support the structure and carrying of luggage is to be used.
It should have an aesthetically appealing form which is visually perceived light with contemporary visual identity giving it a feeling of sophistication.
Cost: The cost of components required in building an amphibian rural ambulance must be lower than comparable products in the market in order to be attractive to potential customers. To achieve this, components were selected, as far as possible, from the existing components available in the market.
Durability: The components and materials chosen for the amphibian ambulance should be durable for sufficient period of time to be economically viable. It will be better if it lasts, say, seven years (considering an annual depreciation of roughly fifteen percent per year).
Safety: The rural ambulance should protect the patients from injuries, accidents and any emergency medical situation while on road or in water.
This may be possible by providing enclosure where damage done after collision with another vehicle on road will protect the users of the ambulance. While in water, users must always wear a buoyancy aid.
Maintenance: The amphibian ambulance should be easy to maintain and should be repaired in local bicycle and tricycle repairing shops.
Performance: The human powered amphibian ambulance will be required to carry a patient, an attendant and a rider which is to be its maximum
payload. The vehicle should be tested on both rural and urban roads and in water by different users to evaluate its performance in terms of the ease of use, maximum speed possible and braking time required while in use on road and in water.
Form inspiration: Going by the bio-mimicry methods, inspiration was derived from ducks (Figure 3.1). Ducks have webbed feet; a duck waddles instead of walking because of its webbed feet. Ducks' feathers are waterproof. There is a special gland that produces oil near the tail that spreads and covers the outer coat of feathers. They have evolved to survive in nature by adaptation. Ducks web feet work like a paddle and the space of three toes are closed which allow them to swim fast.
(a): Transformation of duck forms.
(b): Duck webbed feet on land. (c): Duck webbed feet help them to push water.
Figure 3.1: Brainstorming the basic concept (www.fohn.net, 2006).
Branding: The amphibian ambulance has been branded as 'Dola', conceptually Dola is known as palki or palanquin, derived its name from Sanskrit word 'Palanki' for a bed or couch, suspended by the four corners
door openings on both sides. Given image in Figure 3.2 symbolised the theme of the amphibian ambulance.
Figure 3.2: A man being carried on a palanquin by Indian bearers (etc.usf.edu/clipart/49800/49807/49807_palanquin.htm, 21 March 2016).
Based on the above criteria, three concepts were conceptualised; these are: