I was brought up with a strong links to agricultural engineering and the countryside in equal measure. My first love has always been understanding how things work, leading to studies in engineering; always with a focus on well-defined practical engineering solutions.
My undergraduate studies in Agricultural Engineering, Marketing and Management were followed by research into specialist all terrain personal mobility devices.
Further postgraduate studies in business administration. Postgraduate research into frameworks to promote countryside access for those with limited mobility.
Founder in 2006 of Molten Rock Equipment Ltd as a vehicle to develop, manufacture and retail a unique electrically powered all terrain mobility device. Director of Molten Rock from “living room” manufacturer to established SME manufacturing a novel mobility device with worldwide sales.
Footnote: I’ve been a quadriplegic wheelchair user for over 25 years.
Please drop me a line if you would like to talk through opportunities for business mentoring as well as research and product development projects.
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- Concept for Batec handlebar modification (Solidworks)
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- Side view of the handlebar setup. The user’s hands are fixed comfortably to the handlebar grips using Active Hands gripping aids.
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- Wide handgrip position provides good leverage for steering as well as providing ample clearance across the users legs when turning tightly.
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- The original plate frame all-terrain wheelchair created in Autodesk Inventor (Mr Davies)
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- The first prototype electrically powered all-terrain wheelchair with aluminium folded/welded box frame.
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- The first physical prototype of an electrically powered all-terrain wheelchair.
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- Barn-find County Full Track Crawler circa 1959
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- Initial full-scale model of the County Crawler created in SolidWorks.
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- Original County Crawler Reference material, which luckily contains key dimensions and component exploded drawings.
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- The Lockdown Roller ramp is designed to work with simple bicycle training rollers which are readily available from stores such as Amazon.
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- This Lockdown Roller Ramp is made from 5 mm hardwood ply (plywood between 5-6 mm is perfect), and is secured using standard wood glue.
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- Lockdown Roller enables pushing exercise indoors. Resistance can be increased or decreased by changing the air pressure in the wheelchair tires.
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- Three of the rollers feet fit into locating holes in the base with an extra stiffening layer laid on top.
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- Original concept in SolidWorks
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- Concept drawing in SolidWorks
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- Concept drawing with the handlebars folded forward for easy access
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- The superb recumbent delta trike from Hase. Featuring a unique and novel independent trailing arm rear suspension.
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- Foldable frame for easy transport and storage at home
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- Hand cycle already manufactured by Hase incorporating similar chassis frame.
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- Lots of space to do a simple sliding transfer
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- The basic second-hand trike chassis features the “Compact Twist Fold” mechanism allowing the rear frame section to fold over the front section.
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- First assembly of the chassis, seat and front wheels. As you can see the seat frame at this point is unmodified.
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- An extension to the seat base was welded into place, giving an improved sitting position and support for a pressure relief cushion.
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- Trialling a J2 pressure relief cushion
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- Control concept based on the Batec Modified Handlebars (see my other projects). Providing power, braking and steering for riders with no hand function and very limited arm strength.
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- Heinzmann geared hub motor fitted together with control electronics and pannier battery. Weight distribution gives great traction on the rear tire.
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- Active Hands gripping aids ensure safe and comfortable hand position.
