Paralympian plans longest glacier crossing
1 min read
Sean Rose broke his back in a freak skiing accident 13 years ago but his desire for excitement continues unabated in fact when it comes to a challenge there's not a lot that gets in Sean's way.
Sean found the thrill for speed too much to give up and since his accident he has continued to enjoy a life that would daunt even the most able-bodied champion of water skiing or downhill winter sports competitors. Currently this World Cup Gold downhill skier, Winter XGames medallist and double Paralympic athlete has set his sites on developing purpose built equipment for wheelchair bound athletes.
His latest project, in conjunction with specialist designers HOC and manufacturers Draft Wheelchairs is in the development of a wind powered land kite. The Mark 3 SnowKite Rig is the culmination of over two years' research and development and has been designed to cope with the rigours of a 300km journey across the largest glacier in Europe.
In order to retain the stainless steel pivot pins in place on the SnowKite legs, designers specified Spirolox retaining rings, which unlike conventional circlips rings are manufactured by coiling round-edged flat wire. This technique offers significant advantages such as a 360° retaining surface with no gaps or protruding lugs to interfere with mating components.
The rings can be economically produced and are available in stainless steel without tooling charges for custom designs. They are available in a wide range of exotic materials and finishes and can be installed and removed without special tools.
