JAZZY. SELECT ELITE. POWER WHEELCHAIR. This project encompassed the design and development of a new power wheelchair for Pride Mobility Products that is both economical and versatile. Do more with less. This was the central theme of the project and a sign of the times. A heavy emphasis was placed on design simplicity and minimal part count. Iconic look. Frame and plastics needed to work in unison to establish a unique and iconic Jazzy look. This new design language would become the foundation for subsequent models to build upon. America’s #1 Power Chair. In production this model met initial design goals and achieved several milestones on its way to number 1.
Pride Mobility Products - Jazzy Select Elite - 2009
Chris Terella - Industrial Designer - cterella@gmail.com
Directives. design goals >
A list of provided corporate directives expressed in the form of wants and needs initiate the design process and establish a framework for the engineers and designers to build upon. Low production cost.
Easy to service.
Simple construction.
No suspension.
Placement. lineup >
Strategic product placement can be the difference between missing or capitalizing on an opportunity. This chair will provide an economic, light duty, front wheel drive option to the Jazzy power chair line.
Competition.
heavy duty
light duty
Merits P120
Merits P320
Merits P321
Shoprider Trooper
Shoprider Jimmie
Golden Alante JR
players in the game > Merits Shoprider Golden
Pride Mobility Products - Jazzy Select Elite - 2009
Chris Terella - Industrial Designer - cterella@gmail.com
Questions.
project structure >
What medically reimbursable class is this product intended for? What are the performance requirements for this class?
Battery selection affects the range or miles per charge a chair can achieve.
Turning radius is detrmined by wheel location and frame geometry.
Tires and wheels alter performance, ride comfort, maintenance + aesthetics.
Seating high or low seat back, head rest, manual recline, or power elevation?
The Jazzy Select is the most successful power chair to date.
Battery removal w/out the need for seat removal is a good service feature.
Part separations, seams, and screw holes can make cleaning difficult.
9 plastic parts for the Jazzy Select. Can it be done with less?
Removable battery box is convenient for transit.
Brand Identity. Iconic logo. Brand trust. Loyalty. Identification.
Shoprider’s “Jimmie” breaks down into 3 manageable parts.
Simple tool-less disassembly.
Evaluation. pros + cons >
What areas of the current Jazzy Select have proven successful and what areas reveal opportunity?
What can be learned from competitor’s strengths and weaknesses?
Pride Mobility Products - Jazzy Select Elite - 2009
Chris Terella - Industrial Designer - cterella@gmail.com
Ideation.
brain storming > With corporate directives and primary goals identified, I begin to conceptualize various design ideas with the team’s mechanical engineer.
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inspiration
Pride Mobility Products - Jazzy Select Elite - 2009
Chris Terella - Industrial Designer - cterella@gmail.com
Style.
form development > A fresh new iconic look was the vision for this chair. To achieve a unique visual identity a dynamic top surface became the focal point of our designs. Key words were established to keep explorations on track.
+ Sporty + Flowing + Simple + Clean
inspiration > The idea of a smooth flowing surface separating to reveal something powerful beneath became an inspiring direction. Visual references to power can be seen in the automotive and electronics market.
Pride Mobility Products - Jazzy Select Elite - 2009
Chris Terella - Industrial Designer - cterella@gmail.com
Compilation. general assembly >
solid welded tubular frame
top shroud (ABS)
VR2 controller anti-tip wheels
1 solid frame 3 major plastic components The frame became an integral part of the design, complimenting the plastics rather than just being covered by them. Striving to do more with less, each component was challenged to contribute to both the functional and the aesthetic aspects of the design. All parts were scrutinized and refined several times resulting in a simple unified solution.
nose shroud (ABS) drive wheel
battery tray (nylon+5% glass fiber)
components > Strong efforts were made to reduce fastening hardware and assembly time. Only four screws are needed to secure the nose. Thumb screws, interlocking geometry, and snap features secure the rest.
Pride Mobility Products - Jazzy Select Elite - 2009
Chris Terella - Industrial Designer - cterella@gmail.com
Battery Tray. under the hood >
On the surface this part looks simple, but the technical requirements and engineering details easily make it the most complex assembly on the chair. Suspended between the frame’s two main rails and required to carry a significant load (two lead acid batteries), this plastic battery tray had to be designed for strength.
quick release electrical connector
battery secure strap (PP) click feedback feature
terminal cover
rail support feature thumb screw reflector branding badge
Exposing the side frame rails not only created a strong design element, but enabled the battery tray to easily slide out for removal. pull handle
easy servicing > Easy as 1-2-3... Disconnect the electrical “quick connects”, loosen the thumb screws, grab the handle, and slide out the tray.
Pride Mobility Products - Jazzy Select Elite - 2009
Chris Terella - Industrial Designer - cterella@gmail.com
Tires.
traction + comfort > Material, size, and tread geometry all contribute to a tire’s performance characteristics. Indoors- tires need to run smoothly on hard floors and minimize wear on carpets. Outdoors- tires need to overcome small curbs, obstructions, and moderately wet conditions.
Wheels.
style + strength > Designing a 6 inch plastic rim with a 300 lb. weight capacity that is stylish has its challenges. Many designs were explored from the ornate to the simplistic, but were governed by strength and manufacturability. Ultimately a clean six spoke design was selected.
tire gate location
rim (nylon+15% glass fiber)
aluminum
Tire (PU) foam
Pride Mobility Products - Jazzy Select Elite - 2009
Chris Terella - Industrial Designer - cterella@gmail.com
Renderings. presentation >
Hypershot renderings of the new chair were created for presentation meetings held by the design, sales, and marketing teams. These images make it possible for anyone to visualize a realistic end product long before prototyping or tooling investments are made.
Pride Mobility Products - Jazzy Select Elite - 2009
Chris Terella - Industrial Designer - cterella@gmail.com
Possibilities. options >
Switch it up. Try a new look whenever the mood strikes you.
Let’s face it. We get bored with the same old thing. We wish to be current and unique, and desire a style that best reflects who we are. Style matters. Pop off the main shroud and switch it up. From classic to exotic, bold to understated, the sky’s the limit - one part has never changed so much.
maintenance >
LARGE SURFACE. PAINT OR WATER TRANSFER FILM
EASY FIX. BROKEN SHROUD - SNAP ON REPLACEMENT
Serviceabilitly is a big issue for power chair users. The shroud was designed for tool-less assembly and replacement. A seamless removable surface also makes it easy to clean up dirt and spills.
EASY TO CLEAN. NO PART LINES
Pride Mobility Products - Jazzy Select Elite - 2009
Chris Terella - Industrial Designer - cterella@gmail.com
Prototype. fit + finish >
For this chair all the plastics STL files were sent out to a rapid prototyping firm. SLS (Selective Laser) and SLA (Stereo Lithography Apparatus) were chosen because of the strength and finishing characteristics respectively. With parts in hand, test fitting of the complete chair takes place. Everything is evaluated, from strength and function to fit and finish. Issues get identified and tweaks are made before sanding and painting the parts. Adding labels and decals complete the working presentation prototype.
Testing.
strength + durability > Every chair has to pass a series of tests. Some are Pride’s while others are mandated by the FDA. Cycle, drop, weight, and range are just a few common tests performed.
Pride Mobility Products - Jazzy Select Elite - 2009
Chris Terella - Industrial Designer - cterella@gmail.com
Marketplace. for sale >
The Pride Jazzy Select Elite Power Chair delivers a reliable blend of power, performance, and style in an affordable, durable package. The unique articulating rear frame and front-wheel drive combine to provide a stable and secure ride with excellent maneuverability and torque.
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key features
+ Simple main frame design for easy serviceability. + Easy access to batteries from rear. + Depth adjustable foot platform. + Tool-less shroud removal + In-line, front-wheel drive technology. Pride Mobility sells its product through various independent providers. In this case The Scooter Store sells The Jazzy Select Elite with finish and decal alterations as the TSS 300.
Pride Mobility Products - Jazzy Select Elite - 2009
Chris Terella - Industrial Designer - cterella@gmail.com