Architects from Fachhochschule Dortmund made the handle for Claudia Schäfers' sports bows exactly to measure. It's been raining successes ever since.
FH architects are not only masters of large buildings. What they build on a small scale can also make all the difference. Just like for Claudia Schäfers.
The sports archer is paraplegic, sits in a wheelchair and can only move her arms and hands to a very limited extent. She lacks the sensitivity to hold the sports bow in the crucial areas of her hand.
First solution: too heavy
Her trainer Marco Breyer adjusted the grip with modeling clay. Schäfers was able to hold the bow with this and shoot very well - but the extra weight quickly made her tired. Longer competitions became a torture.
Claudia Schäfers remembered a campaign by Fachhochschule Dortmund on 3D-printed aids for people with physical disabilities. She googled the number of the FH, found the contact to the Faculty of Architecture and called. The research assistant Paul-Andreas Maurer answered, listened and said: yes, he could probably help.
High-tech use
He worked with his colleague Hendrik Preu. They scanned the grip pre-modeled by Marco Breyer with millimetre precision. They then designed the digital models of the grips, which should enable the shooter to precisely control the pressure point and alignment. And above all: more effortless, more comfortable. A special structure inside the grip was also intended to reduce the weight of the entire shape to prevent uncontrolled wobbling under heavy loads.
For the first 3D printing prototypes, the scientific team chose the plastic PLA. After successful use, they switched to the more resilient plastic PETG for the final models. They also designed a holder that enables Schäfers to quickly and easily switch between several handle variants for different tournament classes.
Stamina doubled
The first practical test on the training ground at home was very promising. Claudia Schäfers then reported that she now remains stable and accurate for more than twice as long. Previously, she had not been able to take part in more than one competition per weekend, but now she can easily take part in two tournaments in one day - which is not uncommon in archery.
For Paul-Andreas Maurer, Hendrik Preu and the Faculty of Architecture at Fachhochschule Dortmund, the project is a prime example of application-oriented research: the combination of digital measurement, parametric CAD design and additive manufacturing led to a more individual, lighter and more functional aid solution than any standard industrial production.
Win-win
Students and employees benefited in equal measure: They gained practical experience in using the latest scanner and printing technology and at the same time tested how creative and technical know-how can contribute to the participation and self-determination of people with disabilities. This sends out a clear signal: Architecture can do more than just design buildings - it can enable people to actively participate.
Good result
"Hello Mr. Maurer," wrote Claudia Schäfers a few days ago. "I just wanted to let him know that the handle was excellent at the weekend. There were no pressure points and no problems the whole time. And I am two-time German champion in the individual competition and two-time German runner-up in the team competition in my club and for North Rhine-Westphalia. Thank you very, very much for making it work so well with the handles. A big thank you to the whole team.
With best regards
Claudia Schäfers"