FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TriPawd: Assisting Handicapped Dogs with Mobility

Dosun Shin, an Associate Professor of industrial design at The Design School, Arizona State University, has developed TriPawd, a groundbreaking dog wheelchair designed to help 3 legs-handicapped dogs walk and stand on their own. Inspired by a 5-year-old mastiff who lost one of his front legs due to a gunshot accident in California, U.S., the project commenced in July 2019 in Tempe, Arizona, and was completed in December 2020.

This innovative assistive device features two large rear wheels to enhance stability and mobility, along with a front small wheel on a metal tube frame providing strong support for the chest cup. The bent metal frame allows the dog to walk without interference from its legs, and the height-adjustable pole accommodates different dog sizes. The device enables dogs to move freely without strapping mechanisms, promoting independence and comfort.

The design process involved extensive research, design, and usability testing with working prototypes on the dog. Overcoming challenges such as accurately measuring the dog's upper body and ensuring comfort without direct feedback, Shin successfully created a series of different-sized chest cups to cater to various dog sizes. TriPawd was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in 2021, recognizing its outstanding expertise and innovation in pet care product design.

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