Wheelchair users often need help from others to help them to get around. Steps, a kerb or even a gradient can quickly become an insuperable obstacle in everyday life that they cannot get over without assistance. The JWX-2 power assist unit addresses this problem with a very well thought-out concept. It is extremely easy to install on an existing manual wheelchair and fits onto both of the chair’s wheels in a way that is consistent both from a visual and functional point of view. It also gives it a sporty, agile appearance. Installation is simple, intuitive and self-evident. In this way, a manual wheelchair can quickly and easily be turned into one that is electrically driven. The advantage is that the user does not, in principle, need to change his or her method of operating the wheelchair. The electric power assist unit makes it much easier to get going, climb gradients and ride over surfaces that show a lot of resistance. As the abilities of every wheelchair user vary, the JW Smart Tune software allows for adjustment of the controls to match the strength of the arms. With its excellent design, which takes into account the needs of wheelchair users, this power assist unit extends their mobility, maintaining the users’ functional capacity, and gives them the chance to move around more freely.
评审团评语
This is an impressively simple and well thought-through concept. The motor of the JWX-2 power assist unit is integrated into the wheels in a very coherent way, thus offering the greatest possible level of assistance to the wheelchair user. The auxiliary-power function perfectly combines simple technology, good design and effective support. Well-engineered functionality transforms a manual wheelchair into a powerful, electrically operated one.
参与人士
Manufacturer:
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., Japan
In-house design:
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., Design Center, IM Business Unit (Masanori Yonemitsu, Masashi Nomura), Japan