TiLite Races Ahead with Custom Wheelchair Design
From: Design News - May 2011 - page 44
By: Beth Stackpole

Using CAD and FEA, engineering team optimizes materials choices and frame
design to accommodate a variety of usage scenarios. 

It takes quite a bit of engineering prowess to give the chairs a high level
of flexibility and custom fit. TiLite's engineering group tackles design as
if the chair was a prosthetic device - a very different approach than
creating a design for a hospital wheelchair, which is far more standardized
and requires users to conform to its mode of operation. Using tools like 3D
CAD and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), TiLite engineers are able to more
easily optimize materials choices, zero in on the best frame design and
outfit the chair with the right mix of extras, getting them far closer to the
goal of achieving that tailored fit. Because every individual is different,
"we develop each chair from the ground up," Anderson explains. "It's no
different than a pair of shoes - just because they're your size doesn't mean
they are going to fit you right. It's that custom fit that allows for maximum
mobility."  

Read the entire article at:
http://www.designnews.com/article/518039-TiLite_Races_Ahead_with_Custom_Wheelchair_Design.php

Photos:
TiLite Races Ahead with Custom Wheelchair Design
http://www.designnews.com/photo/290/290988-TiLite_Races_Ahead_with_Custom_Wheelchair_Design_300_300x450.jpg

Download the other images from:
http://www.designnews.com/photo/290/
(Right click on the url and select "Save Target As")
(The webmaster apparently created jpeg filenames that are too long.)

TiLite optimizes the use of high-grade aluminum and titanium to help
  wheelchair customers navigate tough terrain 
http://www.designnews.com/photo/290/290986-TiLite_optimizes_the_use_of_high_grade_aluminum_and_titanium_to_help_wheelchair_customers_navigate_tough_terrain_.jpg

Using SolidWorks, each TiLite chair is customized to fit customers like a
  prosthetic device 
http://www.designnews.com/photo/290/290987-Using_SolidWorks_each_TiLite_chair_is_customized_to_fit_customers_like_a_prosthetic_device_.jpg

TiLite employs SolidWorks Simulation FEA analysis to hone in on materials
  choices and optimize designs for the best performance 
http://www.designnews.com/photo/290/290985-TiLite_employs_SolidWorks_Simulation_FEA_analysis_to_hone_in_on_materials_choices_and_optimize_designs_for_the_best_performance_.jpg

A SolidWorks solid modeling CAD rendering of the TiLite ZRA Series 2
http://www.designnews.com/photo/290/290984-A_SolidWorks_solid_modeling_CAD_rendering_of_the_TiLite_ZRA_Series_2_.jpg