The aim of the project – to suggest a research based design of a crutch for short-term users. The crutch is foldable, adjustable and gives a user the possibility to switch a type of a crutch by changing its upper-part. It also provides better stability, mobility, comfort and supports user’s self-esteem. The accessories for the crutch – a special crutch bag for carrying small personal belongings and a backpack for carrying bigger things and/or storing crutches when they are not being used.
Crutches have been around since the Pharaohs ruled Egypt some 5,000 years ago. However, as a basic device of medical treatments, crutch design seldom changes. Most crutch design focus on the manufacture and price only and ignores other prospects as well. “S_UPPORT” is an innovative short-term using crutch. The purpose of this project is to develop an efficient plastic crutch, which is easy to manufacture, individualize and recycle.
The material of “S_UPPORT” is nano-nylon, a kind of plastic which could be recycled so many times without losing the strength. By using this material, “S_UPPORT” would be much more competitive than traditional metal crutches in both manufacture cost and individualization. Read the rest of this entry »
