EXO Brace
Ride Adapt
- Focus:
- New Product Development
In 2011, competitive mountain biker Tom Wheeler faced a life-altering crash that left him with a paralysed right arm. Rather than giving up, Tom turned his challenge into a mission to reclaim his sport and empower others facing similar obstacles.
This determination led to the creation of Ride Adapt Ltd., in collaboration with design for healthcare expert Prof. Dominic Eggbeer. Together, they aimed to level the playing field for athletes with upper limb disabilities.
INTRODUCING THE EXO BRACE
At the heart of their innovation is the EXO Brace, an advanced arm support system featuring a quick-release mechanism that offers enhanced bilateral control on a bike. This system has been rigorously tested in demanding outdoor environments and has proven its concept. However, further development was crucial to meet both functional and business objectives.
CHALLENGES IN ADAPTIVE SPORTS EQUIPMENT DESIGN
Designing adaptive sports equipment comes with unique challenges, including:
- Durability
- Repairability
- Adaptability
- Customisation
Specifically, the EXO Brace needs to:
- Accommodate diverse body sizes and riding positions
- Withstand the extreme conditions of off-road terrain
- Offer a high degree of adjustability for different riding styles
INNOVATIVE ACADEMIC-INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP
Ride Adapt partnered with PDR through the Academic-Industry Partnerships programme, which bridges industry (in particular SMEs) and academia to create innovative solutions for enterprise challenges. Ride Adapt approached us to tackle a critical component: the elbow hinge and damper mechanism of the EXO Brace. With a proven track record in diverse sectors relevant to adaptive sports, we sought solutions to enhance functional performance, adjustability, and durability of the EXO Brace.
FROM BRIEFING TO PROTOTYPING
We began the project with a detailed briefing, setting the stage to develop low-fidelity prototypes for Tom Wheeler to test. This initial phase allowed us to develop a comprehensive specification.
We then generated a range of concepts, pushing boundaries with ideas that focused on extensive adjustability and lightweight components. Other concepts aimed to improve durability by strategically repositioning the damper. These ideas were presented to Ride Adapt, which sparked collaborative discussions and refinements.
The refined concepts were then translated into detailed CAD models and specifications, ready for functional prototype fabrication using 3D printing, CNC machining, and metal bending. Throughout the process, open communication and regular dialogue were paramount, ensuring a seamless and productive collaboration.
ACHIEVING A USER-TESTED PROTOTYPE
The project culminated in a user-testable prototype of the damper mechanism, integrated into the early EXO Brace design. Tom Wheeler is currently putting this prototype through its paces, with initial feedback being incorporated into the ongoing development of the EXO Brace. You can watch Tom in action, testing the prototype in his latest video.
TRANSFORM YOUR VISION INTO REALITY
This project exemplifies our commitment to delivering innovative and impactful design solutions. By merging expertise, creativity, and a collaborative approach, we helped Ride Adapt overcome complex design challenges and bring their vision to life. Contact us to transform your product ideas into reality.
"PDR's expertise provided valuable new perspectives to the complex challenges of the EXO Brace design. Through this project, we've been able to explore previously untested ideas, which have moved us closer to a market ready solution."
Tom Wheeler | Co-Director | Ride Adapt Ltd.