Revolve Wheel: a folding wheel developed into a demonstrator
A wheelchair wheel that becomes compact for travel and stiff again for use. PEZY worked with Andrea Mocellin on the Revolve Wheel folding mechanism and developed the concept into a fully functional demonstrator model.
Introductie
A wheel that takes up less space
Revolve wanted a fully functioning wheel that could fold compactly. PEZY helped to physically develop the mechanism and advanced it with functional prototypes.
Kernresultaten
Up to 60% less space
The project case reports this space reduction for the folded wheel.
Functional demonstrator
The folding mechanism has been physically developed and refined in prototypes.
Stiffness by pre-tension
A hand motion applies tension to the wheel for use.
01 · De uitdaging
Stiff while riding, compact while travelling
The Revolve Wheel is part of Andrea Mocellin’s Revolve Air wheelchair concept.
The development question was how to fold a wheel compactly while ensuring sufficient stiffness when unfolded. The mechanism also needed to be easy to operate. These requirements made the folding principle a central technical challenge.
02 · De rol van PEZY
Further development of the wheel and folding mechanism
PEZY collaborated with Andrea Mocellin to further develop the wheel and designed a new mechanism.
We also invested in the establishment of Revolve Mobility BV. The described development phase resulted in a fully functional demonstrator model.
PEZY
PEZY collaborated with Andrea Mocellin on further development of the wheel and designed a new mechanism. We also invested in the establishment of Revolve Mobility BV. The described development phase resulted in a fully functional demonstrator model.
03 · De aanpak en het inzicht
Towards a working principle through iterations and prototypes
The team explored the mechanism through multiple iterations and prototypes.
The interaction between folding, locking and stiffness determined the development. For the demonstrator model, carbon-fibre-filled 3D prints, black anodised aluminium parts and vacuum-cast tyre segments were combined.
04 · De oplossing
Pre-tension with a twist of the hand
The mechanism was developed so the wheel can be folded and unfolded with few actions.
With a twist of the hand the user applies pre-tension, giving the wheel its stiffness. The different materials and components together support that movement and structural function.
05 · Het resultaat
A functional demonstrator with a compact folded size
According to the project case, the folded wheel occupies up to 60% less space.
The development made the folding principle tangible in a working demonstrator model. This provided a physical basis to further assess and develop the concept.
Your product question
Which mechanism must work before you continue development?
We help you develop a critical operating principle and test it with physical prototypes so the next development step is evidence-based.
Plan een afspraak
More work
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