Bmw Redesigns Race Wheelchair For Paralympians

BMW has been working with the US Paralympic team to create a racing wheelchair that claims to be both faster and more comfortable than previous models.

The DesignworksUSA team at BMW worked with athletes to create the more aerodynamic chair that they claim shaves 15% off the drag during racing.

The team has made adjustments to the wheelchair by using carbon fibre and small angular changes to the frame so it appears to look the same as older models.

To begin, the design team assessed athletes sitting in the chair and from there developed a computerized model that could simulate changes in aerodynamics. From that, they learned that around 50% of aerodynamics cannot be altered as the drag is from the athlete’s body.

In addition, the team looked to improve the chair’s ergonomics and scanned each US Paralympian so that the chairs can be fully tailored, which is a psychological benefit as well as a physical one. By using the measurements a form-fitted seat will be created from a mould and athletes will also receive custom-made gloves.

BMW will work over the next few months to continue to adjust and improve the wheelchair in the lead up to this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio.

“Working on this project has been a truly rewarding experience for my team and we’re proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish in the last year and a half with these athletes and their coaches,” said Brad Cracchiola, associate director of BMW Group Designworks.

“From fittings and immersion sessions, to data analysis and real-time testing, we had the unique opportunity to build a fully customised racing device. We’re eager to complete the final product and look forward to watching Team USA compete.”

“Our partnership with Team USA over the last six years has been a remarkable journey, but the most rewarding part of it all has been the direct collaboration with our athletes,” said Trudy Hardy, vice-president of marketing at BMW of North America.

“Their dedication to their sport and their fans is unprecedented, and as a company dedicated to performance and mobility, this has been a project that felt right at home for us and we’re honoured to be part of it.”

The original article can be found here.