Ideation

Following the research phase, the ideation phase started with coming up with several iterations of solutions that could help ease the CO’s challenges. This phase details the initial ideation and codesigning with the case owner that led to the chosen directions.  

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Initial Ideation 

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The initial brainstorming of ideas featured several different solutions for two primary directions: the wet wrists and decoupling/coupling the hand bike. These solutions were then grouped as follows.  

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• A stationary/ dynamic ramp which supports the coupling ​

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• Using linear motion to lift the handbike by using a jack, linear actuator, airbag etc either placed on the smaller wheels or connecting piece of the handbike.

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• Using an “extra arm” to provide support while connecting the handbike.

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• Alignment aids that could help during coupling.

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• The use of an extended lever to decouple the handbike. 

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• An organic shaped fender which could help against wet wrists when using the wheelchair.

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• Shape ideation for different fenders.

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• Sleeve covers which could help against wet wrists when using the wheelchair.

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• Brushes for the wheels which could help against wet wrists when using the wheelchair.

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• Wheel covers which could help against wet wrists when using the wheelchair.

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• Rim extenders which could help against wet wrists when using the wheelchair.

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• Other methods which could help against wet wrists when using the wheelchair.

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Narrowing Down the Ideation 

The ideation sketches were then narrowed down for the codesigning session which involved presenting the most promising ideas to the CO. The ideas which were presented were:

• Organic over and under fenders

• Full wheel covers

• Organic around the arm shaped fenders

• Coupling the handbike by adding a foot actuated part.

• Coupling the handbike using a lever

• Coupling the handbike by clamping the wheel of the handbike and driving with the wheelchair (similar to doing a wheelie)

• Coupling the handbike using a jack

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Co-designing – Ideation Feedback 

The first co-design session was carried out in the form of receiving feedback from the CO after sending a presentation featuring the most promising ideas (Click here to see the Dutch presentation sent to the CO).  

While there were initially two primary directions, from the received feedback, the decoupling/coupling mechanism became the primary focus. This was because the CO had resolved the fender issue, and it was further emphasized that the CO would greatly benefit from being able to carry out (de)coupling his hand bike independently and that having this as a portable product would greatly increase its functionality.
This session made it clear which direction to focus on and preparations for the second co-design session began.   

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FURTHER IDEATION

The (de)coupling ideas featured in the presentation were then refined to provide a clearer example of its appearance and operation. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Co-designing – Physical Meeting 

The second co-design session focused on gathering more information to further define the chosen solutions.  

Firstly, a plan for the session was created to answer questions brought up after the first session. 

The questions are as follows: 

• Why does the CO encourage us to choose the coupling of the hand bike?   

• What are the measurements of the wheelchair such that it is possible to go further in the design process?   

• What are the desires regarding shape?  

• What are the desires regarding colour?  

• What are the desires regarding patterns?   

• How can we make a shape that is ergonomic to the user's cognitive ability?   

• How can we make a shape that is ergonomic to the user's physical ability?  

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The created plan, based on the questions:   

1. An interview to get an answer to the first questions.   

2. A template to note down measurements.   

3. Making good 360° pictures to make sure all shapes are captured.   

4. Several collages in the CO's favorite colour to find out what shape character they like the most.   

5. A template for the CO to draw patterns/logo's on to show what they like/envision.   

6. Take air-hardening clay to get a simple print of the CO's grip.   

7. A template to visualize the reach of the CO.  

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Lastly, since there was a prototype to decouple the hand bike, that was also tested during this meeting.   

Through this session, the CO's feedback provided more insights on several topics, allowing for a deeper understanding on the problem, from both a technical and a personal perspective.

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Feedback on the Ideas 

Static ramp  

• The CO appeared enthusiastic about the idea, most probably as it would offer a fast solution. However, it would be preferred to have a solution that could be used outside their home as it is less of an issue at home due to his parents’ assistance. 

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Mobile ramp  

• It would be quite inconvenient to take the ramp along as it makes it difficult to pick things up and there is less space on the wheelchair for other solutions. 

Lever Idea  

• The parents of the case owner think it would be more useful to have a lever on the handlebars as compared to under the footrest.  

• The lever would probably not work since it takes an arm to operate.   

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Jack Idea  

• This would be an optimal solution.   

• PAWS (another handbike manufacturer) has a different coupling mechanism that is similar.  

• If the actuator is mounted under the main connecting beam to the handbike, the distance would be quite large.  

• This idea would be difficult to make and thus expensive, there is a preference for a simpler solution since it is difficult to obtain money for solutions like these.  

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Wheelie idea  

• CO does not prefer the idea as it does not feel safe.   

• After assessing the coupling mechanism and discussing with the POCO, it was concluded that it would be impractical. This is because it would require applying upward force on the coupling from the wheelchair (wheelie), undoing the connection alignment.  

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Decoupling extender  

• It would be preferable to have an item that remains on the hand bike. However, due to it needing to be safe and provide enough strength, it might be sensible to store it elsewhere.   

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Further Insights 

During the first visit, guiding the handbike clamp onto the wheelchair went quite smoothly, however after the second session it was observed to be quite challenging. A static ramp could potentially solve this. Additionally, for coupling, the CO needs to move his weight backwards in the wheelchair. To solve this, the POCO suggested moving the handlebars towards the CO.  

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Tests 

Static ramp  

To simulate a static ramp, the POCO offered to use a 2cm high rubber wedge to observe if it would make a difference when coupling.   

• The wedge positioned the wheelchair slightly further backwards, lifting the front wheel off the floor. This made coupling the hand bike much easier.  

• As the front wheel gets lifted off the floor, it does not have any grip anymore.   

• If the wheelchair hoops are used to move up the ramp, alignment is disrupted in the coupling.   

• It might be possible to use the ramp for both alignment and coupling.   

  

Decoupling extender   

The prototype for the decoupling extender was tested by the CO.   

• It bends too much but it is better as it provides more space to the hold onto the lever and push it. 

• The CO holds it on the top (might need to be even longer)  

• Does not hurt the CO with this shape  

• Other movement, Have the thing as a sort of block over it, more like a pull movement instead of push (push is maybe a bit easier than the pull, but not a big difference)  

• The existing hole was slightly too small.   

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After testing the prototype, the POCO grabbed a metal tube from his shed. This was positioned too far towards the CO, however due to the increased stiffness and length, it worked much better.  

 

New insights:  

• The added lever is a benefit, but the uncomfortable shape of the existing part and the fact that the CO’s fingers are in the way is the issue.   

• It is possible to 3d print the lever; however, it might be better to use steel to make it light and strong.   

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Coupling of the wheelchair and hand bike  

• To provide a greater insight into how exactly the wheelchair couples to the hand bike, several pictures and videos were taken, and the coupling was tested. 

Aspects of coupling that became apparent after testing:  

• Before the “coupling” itself (the pushing motion against the handlebars), the hand bike needs to be aligned. This is done by moving the hand bike towards the wheelchair, to align the coupling bar with the locking mechanism under the wheelchair. Not only is aligning quite difficult, as it is not visible, but keeping the momentum is also required, as it requires some distance between the bar underneath the wheelchair to move it back forward and into position. (imagine aiming to hit a nail with a hammer very hard, which is much harder than when tapping it softly) 

• This could be solved with a sort of guidance funnel on the wheelchair which would lock the mechanism that guides the bar, allowing for more momentum.  

• The wheelchair angles backwards quite a bit, almost reaching balance point.   

• While coupling, the smaller wheels on the wheelchair can get caught under the footrest. This would be solved using a static ramp as these wheels point backwards while driven. 

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Collages  

• Various collages with different aesthetics were provided to the CO for him to rank from best to worst, to gain an idea of his style preferences.

• The CO’s preferences: the colour red, very cool, the lights, red light, and dynamic movement

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Clay grip  

• Since the handle has quite a complex shape, clay was used to provide an indication of its dimensions. The CO found the shape and diameter quite comfortable.

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Results of the Co-designing 

• Understanding of the situation the case owner is in, and what is important to him.  

• A design challenge that is realistic, and when successful, will empower the CO to do things independently that were once impossible.   

• Feedback on ideas in the forms of technical advice, an insider perspective but also personal preference from the CO.  

• An overview of the mechanics and dimensions relevant to coupling the wheelchair and handbike. (pictures, videos, measurements)  

• Prototype testing proved the concept, and highlighted improvement points.   

• An overview of the CO's style preferences through his response to the collages.  

• An example for a comfortable grip for CO to hold, based on clay.   

• An overview of the CO's mobility in the wheelchair.  

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Result – New Design Challenge 

As previously mentioned, the problem where a solution needs to be made for is the coupling and de-coupling of the hand bike. This comes with multiple difficult things. First, the main focus points are:  

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For coupling with a jack:  

• A jack on the connecting beam is preferred  

• A motorized jack is preferred, as it could be used for a longer period 

• It should not be a hindrance when using the hand bike or wheelchair  

• It should slide over the ground  

• It should not damage the ground  

• It should not provide too fast of a movement, as it could cause the wheelchair to flip over  

 

The feasibility of making this with the time and research available is low, mostly due to the requirement of a strong motor. It needs to be made very precisely as it works at an angle, which makes the movement more complex.  

  

For coupling with a ramp:  

• Preferred is a ramp which can be taken with the case owner easily  

• The ramp should not be to high, as it could cause the wheelchair to flip over  

• The ramp should not damage the floor  

• The ramp should not damage the wheelchair  

• The ramp should not damage the hand bike  

  

The feasibility of making a stationary ramp, a ramp that stays in place, within the time and research available, is high. However, a ramp that can be taken along with the CO is low considering the available space for mounting the product, the possible movements of the case owner and to keep it in place while the hand bike and wheelchair move (needed for coupling).  

  

For decoupling:  

• A handle is preferred  

• If a handle is used, strong material needs to be used to withstand bending (came from test with case owner)  

• The handle should fit onto the already existing handle and be made in such a way that it makes the handle longer.  

• The handle should be stored in such a way that the case owner can grab it himself, it does not bring safety issues with it and that does not fall off.  

  

The feasibility of making such a handle within the time and research available is high. The materials and machines for making this are available and the measurements can be taken from the Mold. The main difficulty would be the disconnection or making the handle smaller while travelling which can be complex due to the technical procedures required for this.  

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For alignment:

• the product should help the CO in aligning the hand bike to the wheelchair.

• the product should not necessitate modifications to the wheelchair.

• the product should be easily transportable with the wheelchair.

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The feasibility of making such a product is moderate, since the problem offers a range of possible solutions such as:

• a product to align the hand bike using a track

• a guiderail mounted to the wheelchair or lasers that help with judging the position of the hand bike

However, as this problem was identified quite late in the project, there is limited time to fully develop a solution.

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Looking at all the difficulties and the feasibility, the following designs are chosen to work further on:  

• For the coupling, a stationary ramp is made and a way to take it with him is theoretically designed, which then can be used for further development if wanted after this project. A scale model of the jack is created and will be a theoretical concept

• For the decoupling, a handle made from a strong material which is detachable and can be placed in a holder on the wheelchair.  

• ​For alignment, ideation will begin to see if it is possible to develop a working prototype in the remaining time.

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These solutions will be further iterated on during the conceptualization phase. ​​​​​​​​​​​