GTcompello
Final Year Degree Project 2010
The wheelchair industry has been steadily growing at an annual average rate of 2.5% from 2009 – 2014 as a result of the addition of 2 million new wheelchair users every year in developed countries. While cars and public transport have adapted to that change, sports like touring and road racing remain largely off limits to wheelchair users.
Wheelchair technology and innovation has trailed very slowly behind that of the bicycle industry. Due to the highly customised nature of wheelchairs this means that wheelchair components are overpriced and of a lower standard than their more mass produced bicycle counterparts.
GTcompello aims to increase bicycle component compatibility as much as possible and develop a new and more ergonomic way for manual wheelchair users to experience human powered road travel based on their mobility.
The final solution was well received and was described as a “fresh and inspiring” alternative to conventional solutions along with making the shortlist for the James Dyson Awards in 2010.
FEATURES
1. Hand Controls
As the user’s hands are their main source of mobility, the hand controls need to be intuitive, functional and reactive without being overly complex. To achieve this, the brakes, grip shifts and rubber handles are spring loaded and move about an internal axle. This allows the user to row or push and always be in control.
To turn, the user simply moves both arm hinges in the direction the want to go. This is achieved by the tensioning and loosening of internal cables.
2. Propulsion Modes
The internal gearing allows 4 different rowing and pushing modes for working different muscle groups and adapting to multiple terrains.
1. First is the basic row motion which allows the user to pull backwards with both arms to maintain a forward motion which exercises the back and biceps muscle group.
2. Secondly this can be then changed by the use of a ratchet mechanism (seen in orange) to have an alternating row motion. This is particularly useful for flat and downhill terrain and also for picking up speed.
3. Next is the pushing forward with both hands to maintain a forward motion which builds up the pectoral, core and tricep muscle groups.
4. Finally this pushing forward motion can be alternated by the ratchet mechanism for steeper inclines like climbing hills.
3. Tilting
By placing two wheels in front and one on the back, this gives GTcompello a high degree of stability at high speeds while making cornering much safer due to the low centre of gravity and variable angle of tilt.
This tilting motion also brings wheelchair users closer to the natural tilting motion experienced while cycling a bicycle.
4. Adjustability
An upper body harness can be adjusted to fit the height of the user and is flexible enough to support them while turning.
Feet straps are also adjustable so that feet can be properly secured to the main frame.
5. Flexible Spine
A flexible spine attached to the upper body harness allows the user to move more comfortably and freely while tilting and moving from side to side.
