eprintid: 15872
rev_number: 23
userid: 1343
importid: 889
dir: disk0/00/01/58/72
datestamp: 2012-10-15 19:26:11
lastmod: 2019-02-02 14:56:40
status_changed: 2012-10-15 19:26:11
type: article
metadata_visibility: show
contact_email: rcooper@pitt.edu
item_issues_count: 0
eprint_status: archive
creators_name: Zipfel, E
creators_name: Olson, J
creators_name: Puhlman, J
creators_name: Cooper, RA
creators_email: 
creators_email: 
creators_email: 
creators_email: RCOOPER@pitt.edu
creators_id: 
creators_id: 
creators_id: 
creators_id: RCOOPER
title: Design of a custom racing hand-cycle: Review and analysis
ispublished: pub
divisions: sch_hrs_rehabscitech
full_text_status: public
abstract: Purpose. This paper describes the design, manufacture and evaluation of a custom hand-cycle with a Delta-style frame and fork steering. The state of hand-cycle design and future design directions are also examined. Method. The design of the custom hand-cycle was based on these criteria: Light weight, aerodynamics, climbing ability, ergonomic fit and the user's specific needs. We designed and built a custom hand-cycle for one expert user, therefore, the user's personal needs were key design drivers. The hand-cycle was evaluated by the user over three years of use. Results. During three years of evaluation and over 8000 km of use there were two frame failures: i A crack propagated around one of the tubes connecting the mainframe tube to the headset tube; and ii a crack propagated around the circumference of the curved part of the main frame tube directly behind the seat. The first failure was repaired and after the second, the device was retired. The evaluation of this design serves as a basis for a new set of design criteria. Conclusions. Large amounts of frame flexion can indicate eventual plastic deformation and failure. Future hand-cycle designs should see the use of more advanced materials, finite element analysis software, and continued incorporation of bicycle technology and design innovation. © 2009 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved.
date: 2009-12-02
date_type: published
publication: Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology
volume: 4
number: 2
pagerange: 119 - 128
refereed: TRUE
issn: 1748-3107
centers: cen_other_herl
id_number: 10.1080/17483100802011021
pmid: 18608443
mesh_headings: Acceleration
mesh_headings: Bicycling
mesh_headings: Biomechanics
mesh_headings: Disabled Persons--rehabilitation
mesh_headings: Equipment Design
mesh_headings: Equipment Safety
mesh_headings: Hand--physiology
mesh_headings: Humans
mesh_headings: Sensitivity and Specificity
mesh_headings: Sports
mesh_headings: Stress, Mechanical
citation:   Zipfel, E and Olson, J and Puhlman, J and Cooper, RA  (2009) Design of a custom racing hand-cycle: Review and analysis.  Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 4 (2).  119 - 128.  ISSN 1748-3107     
document_url: http://d-scholarship-dev.library.pitt.edu/15872/1/licence.txt