Project: New Designs, Specifications, and Deadlines

After realizing that the first prototype would not be a successful creation for daily use by the wheelchair riders, we decided to throw the idea out the window and go for a simpler idea. our original carrying idea- the pouch/box storage that would come on to a wheelchair like a bookbag. We set out to find new materials for the new prototype. Using foam, hot glue guns, rulers, cardboard cutters, fabric for straps, we made the design and prototype for out new product.

This new product was a response to the needs of the rider to be able to carry their own oars but it also addressed the issues of moveability and proximity to center of mass of wheelchair that the old product presented. 

As soon as we have real oars, we can test the prototype to see if there any faults we need to address but for now, the project is looking solid. 

1. Project Description: A device to help wheelchair riders independently transport their oars to and from the boathouse and docks.

2. Design Specifications: Specific, measurable, one aspect, does not dictate design--

Our design is a 75*18*10 cm container that will hold oars that are about 6 cm in diameter each. The container will have two backpack straps attached to it on one side that will be able to hang around any wheelchair or person for easy mobility, transport, and accommodation to many wheelchairs.  The straps would be 11.5 cm below the start of the container. Design has to allow for a wheelchair rider to easily and effectively place oars behind her back.

3. Materials:

• Backpack straps
• Velcro (or some mechanism to adjust straps, tbd)
• Plastic

4. Interfaces/Parts:

• Container for the oars
• Straps
• Velcro to adjust straps

5. Testing Plan:

After creating the product, we would like to attach it to the wheelchair, henceforth one of us would sit on the wheelchair and try to obtain each oar and place it into the container. We would try to limit our movement to imitate someone with physical constraints. After the product is deemed ready for further testing, we will ask wheelchair riders to test the container themselves.

6. Schedule:

3/4 - Concept generation  

3/13 - 3D model & plan for prototype

3/6-3/18 - Order materials and obtain oar to fully come up with specified measurements.

4/1 - Have our materials ready and start making functional prototype.

4/3 - Initial prototype design review

4/8 - Make enhancements to prototype

4/10 - Final prototype testing by us and finish work on final details

4/15 - Prototype testing at CRI

4/17 - Feedback reception

4/22 - Work with feedback to alter/improve prototype

4/24 - Finish final project

5/1 - Project deliver

Project: Creating First Prototype

The first step was brainstorming ideas for the issues faced by athletes in CRI. The next step was choosing an idea and carrying it out. Stephanie and I were assigned with oar carrying and right away We decided to follow through with our idea of the of the arms that swing and hold the oars in place. It seemed like the most functional, accessible, and efficient way for the wheelchair riders to carry the oars from storage to the docks and vice versa. We made our vision come to life with the first flap prototype using cardboard boxes and cardboard rolls.

However, after making our product, we slowly recognized all the problems associated with it. First, our prototype was made of cardboard, so it was easy to rotate flaps from front to back. But what could we use in real life that would be sturdy enough to hold on to the wheelchair and oar but flexible enough to move around? Second, we had to rethink and elongate measurements to make the flap reach far enough to go behind the chair. But, if it is too long, it becomes to hard for the rider to easily take the oar and attach in the front because they would need to extend themselves more and we are not sure how much their body would allow them to do that. The final problem is that creating and elongating these flaps would take away from the center of mass- the person- which means there would be an imbalance of weight around the wheelchair. This could lead to a lot of complications and falling when going up and down ramps or unsteady surfaces. The idea created more problems than it solved, so we would either have to come up with a new product for oar carrying or drastically improve this one.

Rob Wood's Talk on Robotic Insects

        Rob Wood's lecture focused on the creation of robotic insects and he started off by taking the simple flight of the bee or in this case, the fly, and asking many questions on the biological and physical mechanics that give the insect the ability to fly. He discussed moderate strain, large force, high efficiency, high bandwith, Piezo electric cantilevers, body torque, and other aspects of the robotic insect and the process that goes into making it. Most of those terms were unfamiliar to me and flew over my head. However, the inspiration for the assembly process interested me the most. The flying insect is created through mechanisms similar to that of a pop-up book. Everything is assembled and folded in one place. With one command, all the small pieces are put together perfectly and symmetrically.

DET Chapter 6

Norman pointed out that the good design evolves and “the design is tested, problem areas are discovered and modified, and then it is continually retested and remodified until time, energy, and resources run out.” (142)  He explains that designers work to improve the products created so the experience the user has with the product is better or at least different.  Later on, he says once the product is satisfactory, to change it would be unnecessary. After reading this chapter, I realized if I go into product creating, I would always look for ways to improve a product or how something is done but I also have to learn the limit. I would have to figure out when it stops being worth changing. To create innovations that are unnecessary for the public, even if they are more efficient (like the Dvorak keyboard Norman discussed), would be unwise. The innovation created must be worth the effort to adjust to change and in some cases, it will not be worth the effort.

When creating a product, Norman points out people tend to prioritize one aspect of the products they make while downgrading the rest. Some people place aesthetics over usability and cost/ease of manufacture. Others place usability first (something I would probably do) and some place the best cost/ease of manufacture as their priority.  It is important to keep in mind, when we are creating the products for the athletes at CRI, all factors must be treated as equally important.

Finally, another important topic he brings up is projecting our own ideas and our place in the design making and product using process. He says, “We tend to project our own rationalizations and beliefs onto the actions and beliefs of others.” (155) This concept is extremely important to remember because as a group of able-bodied designers who are creating products for athletes whose bodies do not work completely like ours do, we have to really ask and consider what they need. We do not know best but hopefully we can learn to the best of our capabilities. There is a difference in being an expert on the device and an expert on the task. Obviously, when we create the device we become an expert on how it works but it is important to see if the task of the device is carried out the way the user wants it, not how we imagined it to be.  

Interesting Adaptive Technologies

1. Blade Runners

(http://www.standard.co.uk/olympics/olympic-news/running-on-blades-the-role-of-technology-in-paralympics-8104167.html )

These blades were created for running and sprinting for for those without the bottom of their leg and their feet. No two blades were ever the same because they are designed specifically for people of different heights. "Made from 80 layers of carbon fibre, each thinner than a human hair, today’s blades store kinetic energy from the wearer’s steps as potential energy, like a spring, allowing the wearer to run and jump." It is even used by athletes in races.

2.  Racing Wheelchair

(http://www.sportaid.com/invacare-top-end-eliminator-osr-standard.html?gclid=CISb1qLliMQCFdAF7AodvBUABw)

This wheelchair has stability, stiffness, cornering traction,adjustable handlebar bar-ends to ensure that the rider can go at maximum speed and still stay stable. Products like these can empower people to know that they can still participate in rigorous competition without how their body is difference from those who are fully able-bodied becoming an impediment.

3.  Mono Ski

These adaptive skis make it possible for those who want to enjoy the rush of the zooming through the mountains. It is simple in creation and innovation but very helpful. It is described as a nordic ski sit with a quick attach and comes with frames that are custom built for people of all sizes and disabilities. 

(http://www.tetonsitski.com/index_files/SitSkiPage.html)

CRI Questions Part 2

As Stephanie and I were trying address the issues faced by the athletes with the adaptive rowing technologies, we stumbled upon some inquiries that were left unanswered from our first visit.

For the expert

1. What is the system of storage and organization at the moment?
2. How are the oars placed into the old design of the oar carrier and how are they placed with the rider now?
3. Can we go over the attachment process of the one handle erg?

For the rower

1. What difficulties do you face when trying to access the materials for rowing? Can you demonstrate for us?
2. What method do you use to carry the ergs now?
3. In the process of getting the oars and getting onto the the docks, when do you need assistance from someone else?

3 ideas

On a beautiful winter morning, Stephanie and I sat down to discuss our goals and desires in regards to the issues faced by the adaptive rowing community that  we would like to tackle.

The first issue we wanted to tackle was the mechanisms used to carry the oars. We started off by brainstorming ways that we could make to easier to hold the oars for wheelchair riders as they are making their way from storage to the docks.

Our Ideas:

Key

                         i.      Pouch/Crutch Carrier

                         ii.      Attachment for standing oars

                         iii.      Attachment on arm rest

                         iv.      Swinging side attachment

                 

                              

To evaluate which creation we would most like to make carrying oars easier and a more independent activity, we made a pugh chart.

The next issue we could see ourselves tackling is the one with oar storage and accessibility.

Our Ideas:

Key

                                                            i.      Diagonal Storage

                                                           ii.      Oar Popper 2.0

                                                          iii.      Oar Bookshelf

                                                          iv.      Revolving Oar Holder

                                       v.      Storage-to-wheelchair back attachment 

To evaluate which creation we would most like to make oar storage and accessibility easy, we made a pugh chart.  

The last issue we thought we might want to work with is attaching the single-hand erg.

Our Ideas
Key

      i.      Two to One Erg Handle

                                                ii.      Bar + Bolt (Similar to pantoon attachment)

                                               iii.      Magnets and Strap Attachment

To evaluate which creation we would most like to make single-hand ergs easier to attach, we made a pugh chart.