S20-15c Head Support for Bi-ski User

Overview

The primary objective of this project is to design and build a head support for quadriplegic skiers. These individuals often lack the strength in their neck to support their head, making them more susceptible to whiplash or more severe injuries while skiing. The team partnered with Denver based adaptive ski equipment company, Enabling Technologies, to develop an economical and manufacturable solution to stabilize user’s head while skiing.

Enabling Technologies is one of the leading companies providing innovation and commitment to the world of adaptive sports. They produce a variety of adaptive equipment from mono and bi-skis to crutches, with a focus in winter sports. Their primary market focuses on paraplegic skiers, although there is a much smaller demographic of quadriplegic skiers that lack proper equipment to ensure a safe and fun skiing experience. Unlike paraplegic skiers, quadriplegic skiers often lack the ability to properly support their head and neck while skiing. Quadriplegic skiers also utilize the help of an instructor to help guide them down the slopes. If the skier loses control of the bi-ski, often, the instructor/trainer cannot prevent them from falling or crashing. This leads to the risk of serious injury.

The design must support the skier’s head and neck in a fashion that prevents excessive movement and whiplash while maintaining a level of comfort and safety for the individual. Design constraints specify that the support must be lightweight and compatible with Enabling Technologies’ Dynamique Bi-Ski model. In addition, the product must be adjustable in order to accommodate different users.

The team’s design incorporates a vertical aluminum plate that connects with durable helmet and shoulder supports. This rigid support system is fastened via a combination of straps that allow for easy removal and adjustability. For comfort, there is adequate padding and layers of fabric on the shoulder plates. Ultimately, this device empowers quadriplegics to safely participate in adaptive sports. 

The team utilized multiple decision matrices with various design considerations to refine a product solution. The decision matrix shown below evaluated overall design options. All four design options were weighted against overarching project requirements and each requirement was weighted based on overall objectives for the project and functions of the completed product per conversations with our client. 

The team designed a final product with the user in mind. Many of the specifications considered enhance the wearability of the product and overall ease of use. This includes requirements such as removability, adjustability, and weight. The team’s prototyping methods helped achieve all three criteria. Due to availability of 3D printing technology, the team iterated through multiple prototypes to ensure adequate geometry and strength. PETG infill and patterns were experimented with to find this balance. 

The requirement weights and rankings for each design concept were decided as a team with client recommendations. Because the project budget is $300 and the product will eventually be incorporated in Enabling Technologies’ manufacturing process, there is not a great focus on cost reduction. The client agrees that regardless of the solution, it must be adaptable to fit the needs and sizes of different users. The client would also like to maintain its competitive advantage in the market. This is accomplished by designing a solution that is compatible with the Dynamique bi-ski model. Enhancing the safety of quadriplegic skiers is the primary goal of this project so safety is treated with the highest priority. The next performance criteria is weight. Because the support rests on the shoulders of users, it must remain lightweight. The last criterion under consideration was user preference which was the lowest priority. This encompasses the overall aesthetic of the support.  

Next Steps

The remaining work on the bi-ski head support lies in additional testing. While design and manufacturing techniques were iteratively developed this semester, testing under standard operating conditions remains an outstanding task. The team will also work to incorporate additional padding for comfort around the shoulder mount and harness.

The next steps for the bi-ski head support include:

     1. Attach padding to the shoulder mount underside

     2. Engineer an elastic strap to attach the head supports around the helmet

     3. Perform testing in standard operating conditions

     4. Reinforce the plastic head piece with thicker plastic walls

With the additional modifications to the support, the team will retest a couple key ergonomic specifications to ensure that it meets or exceeds client requirements. If the head support falls short of expectations, then further design and iteration will occur so that Enabling Technology receives a usable and marketable product.