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Integratie en herontwerp van de DUET Fietsen

Hesselink, L. (2016) Integratie en herontwerp van de DUET Fietsen.

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Abstract:Huka is a company which is specialized in the production of rehabilitation and mobility aids, including the wheelchair-bikes Duet and Duet Junior. With these bikes, where the physically healthy user drives the front coupled wheelchair for the limited user, Huka wants to offer their customers more independence and mobility. Huka wants an integration of the Duet and Duet Junior, because the Duet Junior for children currently offers no satisfactory growth opportunity, and users have to buy a completely new Duet bike when the child no longer fits into the seat. The goal is to generate a number of concepts for this redesign which can create a higher throughput. Therefore, as much standard components as possible and parts, which are also incorporated in their other bikes, should be used. An innovation in functionality and appearance should ensure that also in the future Huka remains one of the world leaders in the field of the wheelchair bike. Huka described their envisioned target group for the Duet as elderly who cannot cycle on their own anymore and the traditional handicapped group. First of all, it was investigated to what extend the current functionality of the bike fits to this target group, and an internet research lead to a clear picture of the current user. This showed that the Duet bike especially creates a great value for severely disabled people and their family and caregivers. To remain competitive, it was further analyzed what kind of features Huka does not yet offer compared to their competitors. Furthermore, a closer look on many elements of the current Duet bikes was taken to be able to draw conclusions about possible improvements and the good qualities to keep. All this information resulted in a list of requirements and needs which form the starting point for the following design process. From a diverse collection of different ideas about functionality and the technical realization, two main concepts in three different looks were obtained. The difference between these concepts lies in the optional electric drive systems. A direct comparison demonstrates that the Shimano mid-mounted motor is a better choice for the wheelchair-bike than the Heinzmann rear wheel drive. Especially, the low positioning of the mid-mounted engine is good for a low center of gravity and therefore an improved drivability. However, due to the fact that for the mechanical crank a shim is needed, this concept could better be offered with a standard electric drive system. If Huka is not willing to do this, despite the growing sales of bicycles with motors, the concept of the Heinzmann rear wheel drive system is a better option. Despite the difference in the electric drive systems, the two concepts do not differ from each other. Next to the new modern look of the Duet 2.0 the unique selling point of the new design is the possibility to mount a variety of different seats, reaching from the standard Huka seat to an individual seat orthosis. Therefore, the design meets the demands and wishes of the severely disabled user without exceeding the maximum cost price. The desired profit margin can also be achieved, because of the use of more standard components and parts that are also incorporated in other Huka bicycles. The new form of the handlebar ensures that the cycling second user can sit in a back friendly position. In order to be able to introduce a new Duet by the end of 2016/ early 2017 Huka must further technically elaborate these concepts.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:ET: Engineering Technology
Subject:20 art studies
Programme:Industrial Design BSc (56955)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/71259
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