Julie Steigerwald
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Handlebar Helper

A device that helps bikers with limb differences improve their posture while riding.

 

Handlebar Helper

Collaborators: Anne LaBine, Julie Steigerwald, Katherine Spack, Wufeng Luo, Junaid Maknojia

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Create a device that helps bikers with limb differences improve their posture while riding.

OBJECTIVE:

JOURNEY:

The project was created by Michael, cofounder of the nonprofit Claws From Carter, and father to a child with a congenital limb difference. Our team of five worked with Michael for an 8-week project duration to establish key design principles:

  • Safety first

  • Customizable

  • Accessible to the masses

  • Easily assembled

We then iterated through rapidly prototyping three separate device mechanisms: the bike attachment, steering mechanism, and limb interface.

I kept track of the design principles and ensured that they were in line with the client’s specific needs. I also oversaw the 3D printing of our parts and determined optimal orientation and print guidelines for users to follow which I compiled into a zip file. Additionally, I looked into adding degrees of freedom to the steering mechanism by mimicking a ball and socket joint, and I subsequently developed the elbow joint for the project to enable accessibility for individuals who have upper arm congenital defective limbs.

The final bike attachment was comprised of three separate, individually customizable parts that could be sized based upon the user’s handlebar size, limb length, and cuff size.

OUTCOME: