PROCESS BOOK Adaptive Hand-cycling
Matthew Parkin
UNDERSTANDING ADAPTIVE CYCLING Spinal cord injuries have many levels of severity. In general the higher the injury on the spinal chord the higher up on the body the parallelization line is. There can also be participial parallelizations of affected areas.
Cervical
Thoracic
Lumbar Sacral Coccygeal Affected Area
UNDERSTANDING ADAPTIVE CYCLING After a spinal cord injury people seek to find as many ways to still be independent. Adaptive cycling allows people to feel the freedom of moving around quickly and the Independence associated with that. Adaptive cyclers also enjoy over coming the physical challenge of endurance and increased strength.
MUSCLE USE ANALYSIS When an individual who has full use of their body rides a hand cycle they use their biceps on the upstroke and triceps on their down-stroke. Often with spinal cord injuries when partial arm function is lost an individual will have use of their biceps but loose the use of their triceps.
No Injury Tricep Power
TRICEP POWER
Bicep Power
BICEP POWER
With Injury Gravity
Two Part Circle
Bicep Power
EXISTING SOLUTIONS ANALYSIS The existing solutions do not adapt well to varying levels of injury. They also force a paralyzed hand to function like an nu-injured had rather than building on the remaining controlled movement.
Forced Grip
Peg System
Quad Grip
Forced hand grip
Expensive $295
Expensive $499
Not for independent use
Difficult to detach
Many without grip find it difficult to stay in
Not for independent use
PROBLEM & NEED STATEMENT The current pedal interface systems are not adaptable for a wide range of users and in turn don’t maximize their strengths and help overcome their deficiencies. A new system must be developed that allows for unassisted use, more durability, and simpler attachment and detachment from hand cycle.
Built for independent user use
More durable and more washable
Comfortable and doesn’t cause sores
Simple attachment and detachment
Usable across a wide range of injuries & abilities
Works on a wide range of cycle brands
CROSS PLATFORM INSPIRATION An important part of the design process was the time I spent refrencing other products to gain inspiration. In evaluating these various products it helped spark my mind to possible solutions for the hand cycle.
Wrist Braces
Diapers
Gymnast Brace
Wrist Bandages
Finger Traps
Flip Flops
Mittens
Bike Clips
Watch Bands
Sweatbands
Magsafe Connector
Shoe Horns
Socks
Baby Wraps
PROBLEM & NEED STATEMENT The current pedal interface systems are not adaptable for a wide range of users and in turn don’t maximize their strengths and help overcome their deficiencies. A new system must be developed that allows for unassisted use, more durability, and simpler attachment and detachment from hand cycle.
DIAGRAM Front View
Back View
Segmented View
Inner Magnet Outer Magnet Slot Slot
3D Printed Plastic Magnet
Thumb Hole
Wrist Wrap
Neoprene Fabric
PRODUCT VALUE STATEMENT The wrist prongs and wrist wrap allow for users to be more independent when cycling and to quickly interface and detach on command with the cycle.
Built for independent user use
More durable and more washable
Works on a wide range of cycle brands
Comfortable and doesn’t cause sores
Simple attachment and detachment
Usable across a wide range of injuries & abilities