Progress Presentation 1Team Highlander

Design ProblemCurrent walker users have trouble getting

out of chairs of varying size.The importance of this problem is to come up

with a design that allows the user to help themselves up and subsequently assist them in walking.

The motivation of this project is to give people with motor disabilities the sense of independence in their mobility.

Challenges & OpportunitiesMaintain high level of safety.Ergonomic, mobile and compact design.Eliminate the use of motors for functionality.Design of the frame to accommodate user

weight, stability and lift functions.Opportunity to conquer these challenges and

create a unique design that satisfies the user to the fullest extent, giving them a sense of self sufficiency.

Design SpecificationsCapacity – support up to 300 lbsWeight – approximately 10 lbsCompact – ability to be collapsed and storedPrice – mid range/affordable; ~$200Material – aluminum; light weight; available;

easily machinedReliability – 95% reliableSafety – high priorityDimensions – approximately 17x22x33 in.

(DxWxH)

Concept Selection & Justification

Second Level Evaluation Matrix

Design Concepts

Concept 1 (Break-A-Leg)

Pros Functional grip and has

handbrakesCollapses to manageable

heightEasy to use

ConsStructural stabilitySource of actuating

force

Concept 2 (Metamorphosis)

Pros Button actuatedHigh adaptabilityVertical lift assistance

ConsLengthy operationToo many mechanical

parts

Concept 3 (Show Stopper)

Pros Provides lift supportCounterbalanceRetractable

ConsRequires space

directly below userCounterbalance

stability

FRDPARRC ChartFunctional Requirements Design Parameters Analysis References Risk Counter-measures

Lifting aid

Sliding handles Statics; Def Bods; FEA COE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks; Handles will slide back in during use; Handles will not be rigid enough to support weight; Motor controlled sliding;

Retractable handles Statics; Def Bods; FEA COE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks; Not robust; Weak joints; Adjust frame to support more stress on joints

Retractable supports Statics; Def Bods; FEA COE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks; Cannot be used in an area without space beneath; Make position of supports adjustible/use internal counterweights

Enveloping design Statics; Def Bods; FEA COE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks; Cannot be used with a couch; Possible injury when contracting the frame again; Make contraction of frame a slow process

Spring supported handles Statics; Def Bods; FEA; Machine Design COE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks; Injury from misuse Use springs that won't cause bodily harm from too much strength

Lift design (motor powered) Statics; Def Bods; Dynamics; FEA COE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks; High complexity; High cost; Implement as modular a design as possible

Collapsing design (motor powered) Statics; Def Bods; Dynamics; FEA COE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks; High complexity; High cost; Implement as modular a design as possible

Support during useStandard frame

Statics; Def Bods; FEACOE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks; material wearing out Use a higher grade material

X-shaped frameStatics; Def Bods; FEA

COE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks; Not easily stowed; Use a higher grade material

SafetyElectronics to control design partitions

Systems & ControlsME 3015 Textbook Short circuit; Reliable electronics

Sensors Systems & Controls ME 3015 Textbook Limited line of sight Place in area with good line of sight

Hand brakes for wheels Friction analysis   Injury from misuse Easy to use handbrakes

Meets/exceeds industry standards Industry regulations N/A Federal Government Injury from substandard construction Standards Training

AccessoriesRemovable tray Static/Dynamics Statics/Dynamics textbook tray wearing out High grade material

Hooks to hang things Static/Dynamics Statics/Dynamics textbook hooks crack over time High grade material

Weight balance

shifting fluid Fluid Mechanics Fluid Mechanic textbook fluid descreasing over time ability to replace fluidshifting weight by springs Machine Design Machine Design textbook Spring losening over time ability to replace springs

motorized weight distribution Static/Deformable bodies/dynamics COE 2001/3001/ Dynamics Textbook complexity Use few motors

Lifting technique

Horizontal pull Static/Dynamics Statics/Dynamics textbook Counter weight issues Heavy frame

Vertical pull Static/Dynamics Statics/Dynamics textbook Counter weight issues Heavy frame

Vertical push Static/Dynamics Statics/Dynamics textbook Counter weight issues Heavy frame

PortabilityHorizontal collapse Static/Dynamics Statics/Dynamics textbook Robustness Use a higher grade material

Vertical leg adjustment Static/Dynamics Statics/Dynamics textbook Robustness Use a higher grade material

Within Budget$500 Manufacturing/testing cost/FEA Material pricing few customers lower cost of material

~$100 product price Manufacturing/testing cost/FEA Material pricing few customers lower cost of material

Ease of use

Simple design Few parts CAD break down of parts use few partsUse of buttons Electronics Circuits Textbook over voltage check spec on voltage use

Lightweight ~7 lbs Material science Material science textbook heavy product hard to move use light weight material

Ease of ManufacturingAluminum Manufacturing and production analysis/FEA Manufacturing book low safety factor use a higher grade material

Carbon CeraminsManufacturing and production analysis/FEA

Manufacturing booklow safety factor use a higher grade material

Functional Requirements – Lifting Aid

Functional Requirements Design Parameters Analysis References Risk Counter-measures

Lifting aid

Sliding handles Statics; Def Bods; FEA COE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks;

Handles will slide back in during use; Handles will not be rigid enough to

support weight;

Actuated sliding handles;

Retractable handles Statics; Def Bods; FEA COE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks; Not robust; Weak joints; Adjust frame to support

more stress on joints

Retractable supports Statics; Def Bods; FEA COE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks;

Possible retraction during use

Reliable mechanism designed to prevent

accidental support retraction.

Enveloping design Statics; Def Bods; FEA COE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks;

Possible injury when contracting the frame

again;

Make contraction of frame a slow process; Design with

smooth edges to avoid bodily harm;

Spring supported handles Statics; Def Bods; FEA; Machine Design

COE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks; Injury from misuse

Use springs that won't cause bodily harm from too much

strength

Lift design Statics; Def Bods; Dynamics; FEA

COE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks;

Unwanted actuation; Inury during lifting operation;

Reliable mechanism designed to prevent

unwanted actuation; Slow actuation process;

Collapsing design (Break-A-Leg) Statics; Def Bods; Dynamics; FEA

COE 2001/3001 Textbook; Solidworks;

Collapse during use; Joint failure; Injury from hinge;

Good statics analysis; Testing;

Existing Products

Product 1-The Original Lift Walker

SimilaritiesLifts user from a sitting

position to a standing position

Can be used as a walker

DifferencesVery expensivePrimary use is for

hospitals and patients with disabilities as opposed to the average daily user

Straps and harnesses are used

Shape

DescriptionA walker primarily used for therapy designed to improve a user’s “strength, balance and coordination.” It utilizes a hydraulic lifting operation that adjusts for a user’s weight and can lift a user from a sitting position. Straps and harnesses may also be used for extra support during lifting operation.

Product 2- Hugo 4.0 Elite Rolling Walker

DescriptionIt’s a walker with large wheels on it for ease of movement. It comes with a storage pouch and a seat. Another storage compartment is located underneath the seat. Features hand brakes and can be collapsed for easy transport.

SimilaritiesWheelsHand brakes

Differences It lacks ability to aid

user in rising from chair

Does not adjust width for adaptability

Applicable Patents

Patent 1-Motorized WalkerPat No. 5168947 Date: 12/08/1992

A motorized walker includes a base upon which a person can stand, with wheels on the base for rollably supporting the base.

Variable speed reversible electric motors are provided for driving the wheels.

Difference: Does not assist in stand-up process.

Similarity: Utilizes motors to help drive walker

Patent 2- Walker release button Patent No. 5255696 Date: 10/26/1993

Manufacturer: Diamond Medical Equipment Corp. (Mount Vernon, NY)

A collapsible walker for elderly and disabled persons including first and second U-shape side frames which are pivotal relative to a front frame, enabling the walker to be collapsed substantially flat.

A pushbutton on the sleeve permits disengaging the detent from the catch slot.

Difference: Does not assist stand-up process

Similarity: Push Button

Patent ClaimsThe device assists user in

walking and rising from a seated position by transferring the center of gravity to a location over the user’s feet.

Mechanical advantage from the device provides lift assistance to the user – no external energy is used in the lifting process.

The device accomplishes the center of gravity transfer by altering its geometry to more effectively capitalize on the strength of its user.

Schedule

Market Research PlanContinued product researchTalk to companies that manufacture and

design walkersNova, Medline, Hugo, Carex, Invacare and

MabisTalk to assisted living employees and

residentsBrighton Gardens of Buckhead, Atria Buckead,

Delmar Gardens of Gwinnett, The Arbor Company

ConclusionSchedule has been established for task

management. Three concepts have been selected to make

up the final design proposed.Evaluation criteria have been used to assess

the strengths and weaknesses of each design.Patent/Product research has been conducted.Market research needs to be completed.CAD and manufacturing analysis is

scheduled.Final design and prototyping will commence.

Thank you

Any Questions?