G-1: Technology Transfer
Task Co-Leaders: Douglas Hobson, James Reswick and Cliff Brubaker
A Working Definition and Problem Statement
Technology transfer is "the transmittal of developed ideas, products, and techniques from a research environment to an environment of practical application." The successful transfer of a device or system, such as a new wheelchair or seating system, to an environment where it can be used by people to improve their lives is one clear and unambiguous criterion for judging the success of this RERC. The successful transfer of new technology, concepts, and devices into the hands of persons with disabilities, is a difficult and often costly process. There are numerous pitfalls and hurdles to be negotiated along the way. Included among these are poorly defined needs and market segments, costly and complex technologies, inadequate resources, liability exposure, FDA approvals, production engineering costs, and perhaps many others. It is most difficult for a small company to successfully navigate through these hurdles and reach the marketplace with sufficient success to warrant the required investment. The risks are high and the rewards are usually modest. Relatively few entrepreneurs are willing to take the required risks. An RERC can reduce some of the inherent risks for industry and, thereby, enhance industry's potential for success.
Our basic premise is that new products and product improvements should be initiated on the basis of demonstrated need, technical and scientific potential, and opportunity for successful development and technology transfer. It would seem inappropriate for an RERC to proceed with random design activities. Initiation of an R&D undertaking with the goal of transferring the outcome for widespread use must be based on a need verified by the people who have the need.
Expected Outcomes of the technology transfer efforts:
G-1-1: A Creative RERC Technology Transfer Model developed through demonstration
We propose to develop and test a model process to demonstrate how an RERC, employing resources available to it, can synergistically partner with a firm to transition a concept from R&D to successful marketing. Our process will embody many of the principles presented above and will be grounded in and refined by the data and experiences generated by the actual technology transfer experiences which follow. Schematic of TT model.
G-1-2: Technology Transfer of Dynaform Seating Technology
Activity G-1-2 highlights our plans for the first technology transfer product, Dynaform, a promising wheelchair cushion with many unique features. It will serve as the first of a series of products that will help validate the model process.
G-1-3: Technology Transfer of Other Candidate RERC Developments
As the incumbent RERC, device development activities in the past several years have resulted in multiple W/C developments that are ready or near ready for the next stage transition to user application. It seems logical that this prior public investment should be exploited to its fullest as an activity of any future RERC on Wheeled Mobility. The candidate W/C developments that will be central to this effort are listed below.
- Wheelchair Docking Systems for use in Motor Vehicles
- Indoor powered mobility base
- Four-wheel powered base
- Manual travel wheelchair
- Integrated Occupant Restraint System
Contact : Douglas Hobson.
Acknowledgement:
The primary support for the WMRC is provided by
The Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology (RST) of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
