Problem Statement

Company Background

SportsNet is a non-profit agency collaboratively partnered with Rochester Rehabilitation, CP Rochester, and the Al Sigl Community of Agencies whose mission is to provide a greater selection of adaptive sports and inclusive recreation opportunities to individuals with disabilities. Programs such as CP Rochester’s Shared Ski Adventures allow wheelchair-bound individuals a chance to ski the slopes in and around the Rochester area by utilizing a device called a sit-ski. In addition, SportsNet’s strategic goals involve providing a greater selection of adaptive sports to disabled individuals, such as kayaking, sailing, and cycling, which would also require the transfer of wheelchair bound users into these different devices safely and efficiently.

What is available at the moment?

The current lift SportsNet uses is a Surehands brand. This is a discontinued product with limited to no support from Surehands. Other options viewed were hospital lifts which cost $1000-$5000, and require an “indoor” environment to safely operate. However, as the design of most sit-skis consists of a carbon fiber seat supported by a suspension coil on only one ski, SportsNet has found it difficult in past experiences to transfer the individual in and out of their wheelchair and into the sit-ski, often requiring five to six people to perform the task.

Goal

SportsNet requires a lifting device that can safely and effectively transfer individuals from their wheelchairs to their respective recreational device. Additionally, the device should be light enough to ensure safe handling, portable to allow for transportation to different locations, and sturdy enough to deploy in various terrains.

Project Name

SportsNet Sit Ski Lift

Project Number

P17004

Project Family

Biomedical Systems and Technologies

Start Term

2165

End Term

2171

Faculty Guide

Prof. Edward Hanzlik

Primary Customer

Michael Cocquyt, SportsNet Supervisor

Sponsor (financial support)

SportsNet, Al Sigl

Planning & Execution

Project Photos and Videos

Problem Definition

Systems Design

Preliminary Detailed Design

Detailed Design

Build & Test Prep

Subsystem Build & Test

Integrated System Build & Test

Integrated System Build & Test with Customer Demo

Customer Handoff & Final Project Documentation