CR1 Wheelchair by Doug Garven

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DESIGN DETAILS
DESIGN NAME:
CR1

PRIMARY FUNCTION:
Wheelchair

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.

UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
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.

OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION:
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.

PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION:
This project started in Nashville, TN in early 2018 and was officially completed and for sale on the market in October of 2023.

FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY:
Vehicle, Mobility and Transportation Design

PRODUCTION / REALIZATION 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.

SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES:
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

RESEARCH ABSTRACT:
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.

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.

ADDED DATE:
2024-01-04 22:23:46

TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
Jace Westcott

IMAGE CREDITS:
Doug Garven, 2023.

PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS:
US 20230233387 A1

Visit the following page to learn more: https://hub.permobil.com/cr1


CLIENT/STUDIO/BRAND DETAILS
NAME:
Permobil

PROFILE:
Permobil founder Dr. Per Uddén believed that helping individuals achieve the greatest level of independence is a basic human right and, for over 50 years, that has been the driving force behind our innovative assistive technology. We are passionate about understanding our users’ needs and helping them live life to the fullest. We are a global leader in trusted healthcare solutions for power and manual wheelchairs, seating and positioning products, and power assist. Permobil is part of Patricia Industries, a subsidiary of Investor AB and is headquartered in Sweden. Permobil has 1600 team members in more than 15 countries around the world. For more information regarding the company’s storied history and complete product line visit permobil.com



NOMINATION DETAILS

Cr1 Wheelchair by Doug Garven is a Nominee in Product Engineering and Technical Design Category.

· This project is currently confidential as results have not been announced yet. Images and further details of the project is not available for public yet, please check back later. If you are the owner of this design, please login to view the images.

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AWARD DETAILS

Cr1 Wheelchair by Doug Garven is Winner in Product Engineering and Technical Design Category, 2023 - 2024.



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COMMENTS
Giulia Esposito Comment #100176 on June 22, 2024, 2:41 am
The CR1 represents a pinnacle of innovation and personalised design in the realm of mobility aids, reflecting a profound understanding of both the technical and experiential aspects of wheelchair use. The dedication to creating a product that is not only functionally superior but also aesthetically inspired is truly commendable. Drawing upon a rich background in product design within the medical industry and personal experience, the approach to integrating elements from high-performance vehicles like Formula 1 race cars and the F-22 Raptor into the design is both innovative and thoughtful. The choice of carbon fiber for its strength and lightweight properties, along with the detailed attention to customizing each wheelchair to fit the user's specific body specifications and preferences, showcases a deep commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with mobility challenges. The collaborative efforts in overcoming design challenges, such as improving accessibility and maneuverability while ensuring durability and minimal environmental impact, further highlight the meticulous care taken in every aspect of the CR1's development. It is evident that this work is not just about creating a wheelchair; it is about pushing the boundaries of what is possible in product engineering and technical design to provide a truly bespoke and high-performing solution for those who rely on such devices daily. This achievement in design excellence is a testament to the skill, passion, and visionary outlook of the entire team, led by Doug Garven.
Chloe Turner Comment #100805 on June 22, 2024, 4:47 am
The recent recognition of the CR1 wheelchair in the Product Engineering and Technical Design category of the A' Design Award is a testament to the innovative approach and dedication to excellence that has been demonstrated. The inspiration drawn from over three decades of experience in the product design and medical industry, coupled with personal insight as a chair user, is clearly reflected in the creation of what can only be described as the ultimate daily-use chair. The blending of functionality with design elements inspired by Formula 1 race cars and the F-22 Raptor not only sets a new benchmark in wheelchair design but also serves as an inspiration for how engineering and aesthetics can merge to enhance user experience. The commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, using materials and design principles that were previously considered unattainable, truly showcases the power of innovative thinking in transforming everyday objects into works of art that are both functional and visually compelling. This work is a brilliant example of how passion, expertise, and a deep understanding of user needs can come together to create something truly remarkable. It is clear that the designer behind the CR1 has not only achieved their goal of creating the ultimate daily-use chair but has also raised the bar for what is possible in the field of product engineering and technical design.
Paul Phillips Comment #101100 on June 22, 2024, 5:46 am
The remarkable ingenuity and dedication reflected in the creation of the CR1 custom fabricated carbon fiber wheelchair truly set a new standard in the realm of Product Engineering and Technical Design. The meticulous attention to leveraging carbon fiber for its unparalleled strength and lightweight characteristics, all the while optimizing the tube shape for enhanced performance and user comfort, exemplifies a harmonious blend of form and function. Moreover, the innovative approach to customizing each wheelchair to fit the individual user's body specifications and preferences not only underscores a deep commitment to personalization but also to inclusivity and accessibility. The unique front-end design, which facilitates greater environmental access, is a testament to forward-thinking and user-centered design principles. This work is not just a product; it is a pivotal advancement in enhancing the quality of life for its users. It is indeed inspiring to see such a thoughtful and refined solution being recognized with the A' Design Award, a well-deserved accolade for a project that pushes the boundaries of technical design and engineering to cater to specific, real-world needs.
Thomas Anderson Comment #101188 on June 22, 2024, 6:04 am
The winning of the A' Design Award for the CR1 wheelchair in the Product Engineering and Technical Design category is a testament to the innovative approach and dedication to enhancing the user experience through design and engineering. The utilization of custom fabricated carbon fiber to create a wheelchair that is not only light and strong but also tailored to the individual's body specifications and preferences showcases a remarkable blend of form and function. The thoughtful consideration in the choice of materials and the orientation of the ovalized tubing to maximize strength and comfort demonstrates a deep understanding of the users' needs. Moreover, the inspiration drawn from over 30 years of experience in the medical industry, combined with elements from Formula 1 race cars and the F-22 Raptor, highlights a creative and effective approach to problem-solving in design. This work is not just a piece of mobility equipment; it is a profound statement on how design and engineering can significantly improve quality of life. The dedication to creating the ultimate daily-use chair that meets the desires and needs of its users is truly inspirational. Such an achievement deserves high praise, and it is a pleasure to witness this recognition of hard work and innovation.
Hien Nguyen Comment #103362 on June 22, 2024, 1:18 pm
It is with great admiration that I acknowledge the exceptional accomplishment of Doug Garven for securing the A' Design Award with his work titled "CR1" in the category of Product Engineering and Technical Design. His innovative approach to wheelchair design not only showcases a profound level of ingenuity but also a deep commitment to enhancing mobility solutions. This achievement is a testament to his outstanding talent and dedication in the field of design. I am truly inspired by his work and the significant impact it represents in advancing product engineering and technical design.

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