Sep 28 2005
The CEA has developed a completely non-magnetic wheelchair at the request of LCD Concept, using the Val de Loire Plasticompo technological platform. This wheelchair, called PASS’PORT, has no metal components, allowing persons with reduced mobility to pass through airport control points without triggering detection. This project has received the support of the Oséo-Anvar regional branch.
This innovation, the first of its type, is based on research on polymers conducted at the CEA Le Ripault Centre. The CEA Le Ripault Centre devotes all scientific and technical expertise to the development of new materials, from their design to their manufacture and characterisation. This expertise, developed for defence purposes, has many applications of interest to civil activities, benefiting both major and small companies.
Developed at the request of airports and airlines, the PASS’PORT wheelchair meets requirements regarding safety (non-magnetic), consideration of disability issues (comfort, ergonomics), and environmental concerns (100% recyclable materials). The major technological innovation consisted of making the wheelchair entirely with plastic polymers, namely by using a transformation process ('rotomoulding') subject to various developments at the CEA Le Ripault Centre.
LCD Concept will officially present this wheelchair to major manufacturers, market decision-makers and the press on September 29, 2005 (6:30 PM) at the Tours airport.
http://www.cea.fr