Department - Author 1
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Mechanical Engineering
Date
12-2010
Primary Advisor
James Meagher
Abstract/Summary
The Mobility Aid project was proposed by Theresa Mortilla and Idee Shapiro. The goal of the project was to design and build a device that can quickly and easily transform between a mobility walker and an electric scooter to allow for more freedom of mobility. The inspiration for this project arose from the fact that Theresa suffers from multiple sclerosis in her legs and can only walk for about thirty minutes at a time until she gets too fatigued and must sit down and rest. This device would provide her with the ability to continue moving while giving her legs their needed rest.
While this was a very exciting and life-changing project, the project requirements presented many obstacles and design challenges to overcome. The device must be lightweight so that Theresa can push it easily as a walker, but it must be structural enough to support all of the forces while used as a scooter. It must also be simple and easy to use as Theresa will most likely be fatigued when she has to transform the device. These were just a few of the design considerations faced in this project.
After much research and many different design iterations, a final design was reached. It consists of a four-wheel device with an aluminum frame, has a rigid folding seat, and has interchangeable handlebars.
As expected, during the building phase there were many little flaws that slowed down construction. These provided unnecessary roadblocks but were overcome with collaboration between group members and assistance from outside sources.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mesp/45