nir-vana innovation network

Polish company, opened in Upper Silesia in 2010, has created a new type of personal transport for independent people with mobility impairments. It has a modular structure made of carbon fibre supplemented with light metal components and incremental plastic parts. The wheelchair modules are: seat with backrest, support frame, axle with removable drive wheels and footrest. These modules can be exchanged when necessary and their mutual position can be easily adjusted. Changing their position affects the size of the wheelchair and its activity (position of the centre of gravity), allowing it to be adjusted to the user's height, weight distribution and personal preferences.
The wheelchair has a foldable, ergonomically shaped backrest, the angle of which is adjustable through the use of interchangeable inserts, selected during the individual fitting procedure. The backrest can be fitted with additional posture correcting elements, as recommended by the orthopaedic surgeon for the individual patient. Also in the case of the footrest, both its angle and height are adjustable through the use of exchangeable inserts, which thanks to 3D printing technology offer freedom of adjustment. This solution reduces the number of moving parts responsible for adjustment to a minimum, which gives the wheelchair greater rigidity and lower weight without compromising on adjustability.
The design process followed the Design Thinking method and was based on a comprehensive analysis of mechanical parameters and ergonomic issues in consultation with experienced wheelchair users. The combination of these aspects in an aesthetically pleasing whole has resulted in an unusual trolley with a total weight of around 5 kg, which is very practical even for the most demanding users.
In order to expand its presence in foreign markets, the company is looking for partners on a manufacturing basis.

Advantages & innovations

- Bucket seat module with a special backrest: increased comfort, facilitates correct posture, can be easily adapted to rehabilitation functions; - One-piece support frame: made without glue, which has a positive effect on weight, rigidity and stress distribution; - Made almost entirely of carbon fibre: lightweight, rigid, visually appealing, warm to the touch; - Minimum of moving parts: comfortable to use, minimises creaking and rattling; - Modularity: easy to fit, adjust and dismantle for transport, individual components can be replaced if necessary; - Design: unlike almost all trolleys, it is not stigmatised with the cold "hospital" styling of a medical device.

Stage of development

Already on the market

Partner sought

The company is looking for partners in Europe and beyond who are familiar with the medical device market. The company would like to cooperate on the basis of a manufacturing agreement.