Page 31 - Dallara Magazine

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Engineer Savi, what are the features that
distinguish a normal wheelchair from the
one you are designing for Alessandro
Straser?
«
Actually, it is not a wheelchair at all; the
wheels are only necessary when transporting
it. It's really a seat that the athlete uses to
throw from, it rests on the ground and is held
in place by four tie-rods secured by stakes.
The most important characteristics are
stability and rigidity. The
seat is also fitted with a
fixed rod that the athlete
pulls on with his free hand
in order to generate greater
thrust».
Are you using any special
materials in the production
process?
«
We have only designed a
small proportion of the
components so far. We
intend to use various
materials that are typically
used on competition cars,
such as lightweight alloys.
The seat doesn’t need to be
light, but it will certainly
make it easier to transport:
Alessandro will almost
certainly be competing
abroad, and it he will have
to take the seat with him».
What was the most difficult problem you
encountered during the design stage? Are
there any special parameters established by
the international paralympic committee?
«
The parameters established by the official
regulations are fairly simple. The seat may
not exceed a maximum height limit, this is
because the height of the seat has a direct
effect on the length of the throw, also the
equipment may not include flexible parts
that could function as a bow or a spring and
assist the thrower. Moreover, the throw is
measured from the point on the seat
structure that is furthest forward, which
means that it is necessary to keep the
dimensions of the front section to a
minimum. It’s not a terribly complex object,
so I wouldn't say that we encountered any
great difficulties during the design stage. The
important thing is to ensure that the
structure is simple and effective».
What effect does a piece of
equipment like this have
on an athlete’s
performance? In other
words, how much
improvement is it possible
to achieve?
«
It’s difficult to evaluate the
impact a priori, I think it's
better that we wait for the
results of the initial tests.
Our main objectives were to
produce an object that is
rigid and ergonomic, and
that could be adapted to
various different throwing
positions. In fact,
Alessandro competes in
three different throwing
events (javelin, discus and
shot put): if we can adapt
the seat so that he can use
it for each of these
disciplines it will be a great help to him».
You’re an athlete too, how much did this
help you during the design process?
«
It helped to be aware of the type of
mechanics and forces that come into play
during a throw. I compete for the same team
as Alessandro
(
CUS Parma) and we share the
same trainer (Roberto «Eddy» Cristofori);
we
get on really well and we are always
swapping ideas and opinions about the
project»
.
Savi:
«
The important thing Is to
design simply and effectively»
productive than one might think, and
represent a benefit for everyone».
In this context, which are the areas where
the most progress still needs to be made:
the attitude of individuals and society to
disability, investment in the relevant
technologies or improved legislation?
«
Progress is still necessary on all fronts, but
I think that fundamental issue is the
attitudes of people and society to
disability, and that all the other aspects
depend to one degree or another on such
attitudes».
«
L
AST SATURDAY
,
THANKS THE NEW CHAIR DESIGNED BY
D
ALLARA
,
I
FINISHED THIRD AT
THE ITALIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS IN THE SHOT PUT AND DISCUS DISCUS THROW
.
N
OW
I
HAVE TO
BETTER THE FEELING AND TUNE THE SET
-
UP
,
BUT
I
COULD ALLREADY SEE CLEAR
IMPROVEMENTS
.
S
O
I
REALLY WANT TO THANKS
D
ALLARA FOR THE WORK THEY DID
,
AS
WELL
F
RANCESCO
S
AVI WHO KEPT THE COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN US ALL
,
AND ALL THE
TEAM
:
C
ORRADO
C
IVETTA
,
M
ARIO
S
PIRELLI
,
M
ATTEO
S
ERVENTI
,
O
SVALDO
S
CARTAZZA
,
S
IMONE
G
ERARDINI
,
A
NDREA
T
OSO
,
L
UCA
P
IGNACCA
,
A
NDREA
B
URZONI
.
T
HANKS
A
LESSANDRO
S
TRASER