Post on 17-Dec-2015
transcript
Universal Play Frame (UPF)
An Adapted Sport Mechanism for Athletes in Wheelchairs
What is the UPF?
Redesigned and constructed by former ME 428 students
Enables athletes with a limited range of motion to play several sports that would otherwise be impossible for them to participate in Hockey, basketball, golf, and soccer
attachments
The Equalizer (manufactured by Sportime International)
While the UPF was intended to be an improvement on the Equalizer, there are still many design flaws to be evaluated and reconsidered.
The design flaws we in Kinesiology have identified are completely based on use with actual athletes in wheelchairs.
But, we need your mechanical engineering expertise for these athletes to fully enjoy this sporting experience.
What are the actual design flaws of the UPF Frame? Lack of frame adjustability
Cannot adjust distance or angle of frame from wheelchair to athlete
Attachment to chair is time-consuming, awkward, inflexible and unreliable
Weight concerns have been addressed. In redesign, weight
should not be compromised for frame stability, rigidity, and stiffness
Basketball Attachment
UPF frame pulls off ground when athlete pulls on basketball bungee Lift prevents adequate
tension/force production
Putter attachment rod is in the way of the basketball travel path Rod is not easily
removable (requires tools)
Golf Attachment
Putter needs to be adjustable in height because wheelchair may require the UPF to be adjusted at different angles.
Too much force is required on athlete’s behalf to pull putter Harder for athlete to
put ball as far as compared to the Equalizer
Hockey Attachment
Thin rectangular handle is difficult for most athletes to grasp
Handle is not adjustable Too far away from athlete On right side only
Not usable for left-handed athletes
Hockey blades run into frame Disables full range of
motion of hockey blade
Soccer Attachment
Shining Star of the Equalizer Athletes thoroughly enjoy
this attachment Main problems surround
reaching the scoop, but an adjustment mechanism was made This problem can also be
alleviated through having frame attachment to wheelchair be adjustable
The bottom line…
Enjoyment derived from the athletes and those who participate with them
Play is cathartic Opportunities for play
gives them feelings of empowerment in a world that caters to the able bodied.
Their time spent with these structures is invaluable
However, it cannot be done without engineering marvels like you.