Doug Garven · CLIENT: Permobil
The CR1 is a carbon fiber wheelchair that is fully customizable to the user's individual specifications and preferences. The unique, dual-angle front end was designed to follow the lines of the user's body, allowing them to get closer to objects for improved accessibility and maneuverability in tight spaces. The aerodynamic tube profile and its orientation were designed to improve strength, user comfort in areas contacting the body and aesthetically to promote a sense of speed. The dual-purpose sideguards provide protection to the user while acting as a structural member for support.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The CR1 is a custom fabricated carbon fiber wheelchair. Each one is unique and built around the user's individual body specifications and their desired preferences. Carbon fiber was selected not only for its performance benefits of strength and light weight, but also for the freedom to optimize the tube shape. The ovalized tubing is orientated at different angles along the frame to maximize strength and comfort for the user. The unique front-end design allows improved environmental access by allowing the user to get closer to objects.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Each chair is unique and based upon the information supplied by the user's order form which is 5 pages long and covers 9 specific measurements based upon the individual body proportions and chair set-up preferences. There are also numerous component and accessory options available to make each chair unique. The chair length dimensions are 330-483 mm, x 330-457 mm width, x 381-533 mm height.
- Tags
- everyday performance, ultralight, custom, made-to-order
- Production Technology
- Production is through a vendor that specializes in the creation of carbon fiber products and their use of a proprietary foam core fabrication process that adds additional strength and helps to absorb vibrations. Their team was able to optimize the specific material layups and the fabrication methodology. Every frame consists of two mirrored sideframes that each have 3 bonded together sections of different angles and lengths, joined with a bonded crossbar. These modular components combine with others to make each chair unique and match the user's specifications. The design was refined through FEA analysis, user evaluation and finally, through mandated functionality and durability testing ANSI/RESNA, ISO 7176.
- Design Challenge
- The key challenges were improving accessibility and maneuverability while reducing the overall weight in a fully customizable product. We partnered with outside vendors to develop special components, like an entirely new style of caster fork bearing. Its creation allowed for smaller parts, lighter weight and a smaller footprint to the chair's design and overall proportions for improved maneuverability. Another key component was the ability to customize the frame designs in as economical and manufacturable method as possible that also minimized waste. The final realization of that was the modular, 3-section design to the sideframe. Different materials are utilized on different parts of the chair to maximize durability like titanium trim rings on the footrest for wear and SMC carbon reinforced parts for impact protection when the rear wheels are removed. The foam core of the carbon fiber parts improves strength and the perception of being too delicate and fragile a material for this application.
- Project Duration
- This project started in Nashville, TN in early 2018 and was officially completed and for sale on the market in October of 2023.
- Operation Flow
- The CR1 is operated like any other manual wheelchair through the propulsion of the two drive wheels. What is improved over other devices in the market is how lightweight it is, the complete chair is only 6.8 kg and the increased maneuverability and accessibility through the kinked front-end design. The customized frame dimensions ensure a secure and comfortable fit for the user, much like a wheeled prosthetic.
- Research
- The background research for this project was inherent in over 30 years of being a professional wheelchair designer and user. This product was intended for advanced users who know how they want to sit and how they want their chair to feel and respond. The needs and requirements for this product are something that I live and experience every day. We also presented early prototypes to other users and industry experts for their opinions and feedback.
- Inspiration
- The CR1 was inspired by over 30 years as a product designer in the medical industry and as a chair user personally. I was given the task of creating the ultimate, daily-use chair and in doing so drew upon previous designs and what I would have liked to have done but wasn't able to either from a materials perspective or project parameters. The form is functionally driven but inspired by Formula 1 race cars and elements of the F-22 Raptor.
- Patents
- US 20230233387 A1
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