Client Study - Elap Mobility
Elap Mobility are based in Altham, Lancashire and are one of the UK's leading vehicle conversion specialists for the Mobility industry. Specialising in bespoke solutions to assist people regaining their transport independence, they are also a respected supplier within the industry, of various driving aids.
How we helped
We have assisted Elap for over ten years, undertaking a variety of projects including the logistical design of their workshop and manufacturing space. When introducing a new range of rotating seats in 2024, they contacted us to see how we could help.
Project Info
Elap's previous manufacturer of automatic rotating seats produced their own, vehicle specific brackets, kits and installation instructions to enable a speedy and trouble-free installation.
Their new supplier, whilst producing a high quality product, only supplied the rotating seat with a universal fitting bracket. To be able to install in-house and supply to their network of customers, Elap now had to produce this.
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The Initial Solution
After our initial meeting we researched the product and what other suppliers were offering. A test install of a rotating seat with a universal bracket highlighted the problem, installing suddenly became a a R&D job rather than an installation job.
Using the universal baseplate as a starting point and by designing an creating an installation jig, we managed to reduce this. Over time, by customising to fit many suitable vehicles, we re-designed this to incorporate 3 versions, each for a specific range of vehicles. Utilising a laser cutting company, Elap began producing their own baseplates for supplying and installing with the rotating seats.
But this was only part of the problem, each vehicle need to have its wiring modified so that it recognised the new rotating seat as the original one. After researching this subject we set about creating a database of vehicle specific information and working out how to modify, this was all then documented and a kit of parts was produced which was sent out with each rotating seat.
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The Final Solution
Once the initial solution was completed, we set about streamlining the process. It was clear that the installation of the seat itself could be easier. We worked with the manufacturer, giving feedback and suggestions to re-design the install and certain elements of the product.
We also arranged for the manufacturer to supply one of the newly designed baseplates when supplying a seat rather than the unused universal baseplate. This arrangement saved thousands of pounds as Elap no longer had to purchase these themselves.
We also produced a detailed Installation Guide, a vehicle specific Installation kit to be sent with every seat supplied, 3D drawings and installation videos for marketing purposes.
Finally, a database was created for Elap to utilise, ensuring that a usable working platform was implemented.
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How we help now
When we start a project like this, our aim is to finish it and ensure the client can operate the system independently, which can be achieved in many ways. For us to continue working as previouslywas not cost effective so Elap now largely install the rotating seat themselves in-house and create the pre-defined brackets and installation kits to supply to their partner companies.
But, as their R&D partner, when they are required to develop on a new vehicle, they call on us to undertake this work; create the vehicle specific installation kit and update the database. Similarly, because of our detailed product knowledge, we assist them in their fault finding, technical support and training, for partner companies.
The whole process took approximately two years to complete,mainly due to the availability of the vehicles to develop on. The success of this can be gauged in the fact that Elap recently enlisted our help to undertake a similar process on a vehicle specific person hoist.
We also undertake numerous other bespoke projects for Elap, some of these are shown below.
Scanning, 3D Printing and Prototyping
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Prototyping to Manufacture
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Testimonial
"When we partnered with a new supplier for our electric rotating seats we knew the value of the product, we just needed to integrate it into our systems to be able to supply and support as previously. This was going to be a huge undertaking. We had a full order book and, knowing this was going to be a long term project, we decided to ask Logic to assist.
From day one we knew we had made the right choice. Requiring minimal assistance from ourselves, they created everything we asked of them whilst also understanding that this would be a time consuming and fluid process. We now value them as our R&D partner and look forward to many more successful projects in the future and firmly believe that this partnership will asisst our business in growing further."
Dave Anderton, Managing Director
Design Office
Hawburn,
7 Claremont Avenue,
Clitheroe,
Lancashire,
BB7 1JN
Contact
Telephone: +44(0)7970 855203
E-mail: anthony@logicnw.co.uk
Workspace
Unit 4a Landwick Court,
Metcalfe Drive,
Altham,
Lancashire,
BB5 5GY