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http://www.magicwheels.net/
Researcher: Dr. Brian Flinn, University of Washington Dept. of Materials Science & Engineering
Year project began: 2003
Wheelchair users have long sought to transport themselves more
efficiently to increase their mobility and independence and to reduce
the strain on their arm joints. Current wheelchairs allow limited
mobility on inclines and uneven terrains. Magic Wheels, Inc. has
developed a simple, cost-effective mechanism in a two-speed geared
drive wheel that enables wheelchair users to negotiate obstacles such
as slopes and challenging surfaces with less strain.
Magic Wheels™ (also the product) incorporates a patent-pending
two-speed gear drive in quick-release wheels that can be easily
installed on existing wheelchairs. In addition to the extra climbing
power provided by the gears, it also offers an advanced hill-holding
feature (with pushrim override) and a pushrim-operated downhill
assisted braking feature (for fingertip braking -- no more burned
hands), without relying on complex electronics or cumbersome motors and
batteries. Dr. Brian Flinn is working with the company to test the
structural strength of this new manual wheelchair wheel, which contains
a carbon-fiber composite wheel core.
Year project began: 2004
In this Phase II RTD project, Dr. Flinn will continue testing the
endurance, reliability, and environmental resistance of Magic Wheels'
new two-speed manual wheelchair wheels. This two-speed drive contains
composite wheels and provides multiple benefits to the manual
wheelchair user, including easier navigation on uneven terrain and
possible reduction of arm pain. |
