Written by
Bianca Brady
BAppSc (OT)
APEX Mobility Clinical Education Coordinator

 

Function and efficiency are goals that are factored into the selection of a manual wheelchair frame, its material and components, whether folding or rigid. We also understand that is not just one part or one feature that achieves these goals, but the system as a whole. Here we will take a closer look at Motion Composites flagship design, the HELIO C2, a carbon fibre, folding manual wheelchair, and how it helps achieve these goals.

Many reasons exist why a folding wheelchair frame could be the most appropriate set up for a user, including:

• User choice (history of use or preference)
• Allow for ease of standing transfers or partial standing transfers by way of swing away leg hangers
• Users who foot propel
• Option to elevate legs
• To accommodate higher safe working loads
• To fold and fit into small spaces including vehicles

No matter the reasons why a manual folding frame is needed, frame features, components and adjustability will impact the user’s function and the efficiency of how the system works as a whole. The HELIO C2 is one of the lightest, ultra-light folding wheelchairs available with a naked frame weight of just 4.3kg (16x16). We know that weight is a contributing factor in facilitating efficiency in a folding frame and it also allows ease of transportation when needed. Looking closely at the HELIO C2, we can see how it achieves this and how this along with other standout features serves as a basis to build an efficient system.  This will also highlight how the HELIO C2 aims to achieve efficiency and reduce risk of injury to the user.

 

How does the HELIO C2 achieve function and efficiency from its form?

Through the material of its build, the components of its naked frame and castor housing.

Material

The HELIO C2’s frame is manufactured using carbon fibre composite (image 3). This is created when carbon fibre fabric (image 2), made up of several thousand filaments (image 1) is mixed with a matrix of plastic resin. Although this produces a very light weight and strong material, additional manufacturing techniques are needed to ensure that the wheelchair maintains strength and durability in areas that need reinforcement. This is achieved in three ways:

1. manufacturing technique – layering, wrapping, weaving and braiding (below image 1) and bladder molds (below image 2).
2. Multilayers and offset orientation of the carbon fibre fabric – each with a specific strength benefit (image 3 & 4)
3. type and amount of resin used.

The engineers at Motion Composites continue to invest efforts to produce high-end manufacturing techniques to deliver high performing wheelchairs.

When looking more closely at carbon fibre, we can see some distinct qualities that gives it an advantage over other materials. Specifically, these are:

• High strength to weight ratio
• Durability
• High vibration dampening quality
• No welding and a manufacturing technique that provides strength where it is needed
• Low thermal expansion and little to no change with temperatures
• High corrosion resistance

 

Each characteristic of this material and how it is manufactures has an impact on the efficiency of the frame with the user’s experience and health front of mind.

Naked Frame Components 

 

 

The HELIO C2 carbon fibre frame is composed of 4 main features:

Castor housing

Squaring of the castors is essential for proper tracking, decreasing castor flutter, and ultimately promoting propulsion efficiency. The infinite adjustability of the housing on the C2 frame allows for precision so that this can be achieved with ease. The unique design with the trailing arm also ensures increased strength and durability.

Overall, when we look at some of the forces that steal away energy when propelling, such as movement within the frame, vibrations and torsion, we can see how the HELIO C2 is built to reduce these. In doing this, it provides a foundation whereby a folding manual wheelchair promotes health and reduces risk of injury during self-propelling when it is set up correctly for the user.   

For more information on the Motion Composites HELIO C2, contact the team at APEX Mobility on 1300 212 192 or email sales@apexmobility.com.au.