Produits Innovations BBraver
Analysis of a Wheelchair Handrim
In order to become a leader and a reference in the handrim sector, Produits Innovations BBraver began designing a revolutionary handrim. Lx Sim mandate was to validate the strength of the new concept using FEA.
Lx Sim used finite element analysis (FEA) to validate the resistance of the concept. The results of the first analysis were used to influence the design of the next version. Various loading conditions were applied: torque for propulsion or braking, user weight on the handrim to get off the chair, lateral force, and frontal impact.
Results :
The results validated the resistance of the concept, identified areas for improvement and showed weight reduction possibilities through numerical optimization of the extrusion profile thickness. Time and money were saved with this procedure by eliminating several prototypes and physical testing cycles.