Material Of The Crutches Conventional Crutches example essay topic

To: Management Committee Date: 01 September, 2003 From: Adrian Chew, Research & Development Manager Subject: Research Of New Composite Crutches Our Research and Development Team had come up with a new design for crutches, using carbon-reinforced composite materials. The following presents the highlights of our research on the advantages of the new composite crutches... Material of the crutches Conventional crutches are made of aluminum; in contrast, Carbon-reinforced composite are used in the new crutches... Weight of the composite crutches Conventional crutches weigh 5 pounds per pair. Conversely, composite crutches weigh 60 percent lighter... Appearance of the crutches Conventional crutches have an institutional and medical look.

On the other hand, composite crutches have a modern and sleek design... Production of the crutches Conventional crutches are mass-produced and can adjusted to individual height using spring-loaded pins that pulled and pop out through holes in the outer tube. Unlike the conventional crutches, composite crutches are custom made and require customer to provide 2 dimensions (distance between end of rubber foot and handle (Y) +distance from handle to middle of cuff (X) )... Noisiness of the crutches Noise is produced when conventional crutches are in use. It is due to the spring-loaded pins rubbing against the holes in the outer tube. On the other hand, the noise is greatly reduced by 90 percent due to the custom made features of the composite crutches...

Strength of the crutches Conventional crutches wear out quickly due to the friction of the spring-loaded pins. As the result, the holes get elongated and causing motion between the pins and the holes. However, with the property of the composite, the strength of the crutches is increased by 20% stronger. Hence this will result in longer lifespan. Management Committee Pg 2 01 September, 2003. Safety of the crutches The conventional crutches break without warning.

There is a potential hazard to the user. Unlike conventional crutches, composite crutches include a special feature in safety. When the handgrip is overloaded, the internal aluminum tube yields before the external composite tube breaks... Cost of the crutches The conventional crutches cost S$300. On the other hand, composite crutches are significantly more expensive ($500) due to the cost of the customer-made production and the value added features.

In conclusion, with the enhanced features of the several stated aspects, the new composite crutches would provide comfort and durability for some unfortunate people. In addition, I request to make a formal presentation of the prototype my team has built with the specific aim of getting your approval for a trial production. Hope that we can make the arrangement as soon as possible.