Adaptive Paraclimbing Assist and Harness System
Group entry: AXIS: Jingwei Yu, Youan Guan, Denzel Jen, Xinyu Lyu, Jiayu Wu.
Loughborough University, School of Design and Creative Arts.
Design description
The Adaptive Paraclimbing Assist and Harness System makes indoor climbing safer and more accessible for beginners with AL1 lower-limb paralysis. These climbers rely on upper-body strength, while uncontrolled leg movement and an unstable centre of gravity increase fatigue and injury risk. The system combines protective wearables with adjustable gravity compensation to improve stability and reduce physical barriers.
The wearable component includes a padded upper-body harness, chest-level belay point and stabilising knee pads. Raising the attachment point from waist to chest improves trunk control and reduces tilting. Reinforced straps, padding and knee protection limit leg swing, abrasion and impact, while quick-release fastenings support independent use. A floor-mounted frame, pulley, rope and selectable counterweights provide assistance matched to the climber’s ability and training stage, reducing upper-limb load while remaining compatible with standard climbing facilities.
The design supports scalable manufacturing. The harness uses nylon or polyester webbing, breathable mesh, EVA/PE foam, standard buckles and reinforced stitching. The frame is made from standard bent and welded steel sections, with tensioned steel cables replacing complex guide rails. Off-the-shelf pulleys, springs and ropes reduce cost. Moulded ABS weight shells can be filled locally with concrete, reducing freight costs, while modular construction simplifies repair and part replacement.