Department - Author 1

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Date

6-2013

Primary Advisor

Sarah T. Harding

Abstract/Summary

This report details the adaptive bocce launching device created by Team B.A.L.L. and theprocess of designing, building and testing it. The final design was a wirelessly controlled pneumatic catapult capable of propelling a bocce ball such that it would land fifteen feet away and roll the length of the wheelchair accessible bocce courts located at the Colony Park Community Center in Atascadero. A wide variety of users are supported because the system is controlled by a single button which can be actuated by the user’s hand, forearm, head or anything else they are able to move. The catapult allows the user to aim left and right, select between a rolling shot and a lobbing shot, and select a throwing strength.

The project was constructed using funding from a National Science Foundation grant.The funding and the project were orchestrated by Dr. Kevin Taylor, the chair of the Kinesiology department at California Polytechnic State University. The device itself was for the North County Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program. Ron Vasconcellos is on the board of directors for this program and was our contact with the NCASARP. Sarah Harding advised the project.

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