MSD 19008: Problem Definition

Pediatric standing devices are often prescribed by physical therapist to children with a variety of neuromuscular conditions. The benefit of these devices range from musculoskeletal benefits, including increased bone mineral density, range of motion and spasticity, to esteem benefits that allow a child to interact with their environment and peers while standing. Our project focuses on the addition of motorized wheels and a control system which allows the standing device to become mobile. The increased mobility of the standing device can make the prescribed standing time less unpleasant, and perhaps even fun for the child.

The previous teams that have worked on this device have created a mobilization kit that can be attached to the stander. This kit includes motorized wheels, a microcontroller, and button controls for the child to interface with. The kit also implements a remote control override to be used by an adult supervisor, either a parent, teacher, or therapist. The kit has integrated bump sensors, and infrared sensor to detect obstacles and potentially dangerous ledges. The data from these sensor has never been utilized in the control system of previous iterations. While the kit is operational, the motion of the stander is sub-optimal. Often the start and stop motions are jerky and the stander cannot move diagonally. As well as motion control, the multiple inputs into the control system are currently not used in concert, and not prioritized. Also, the current kit does not have the desired aesthetics necessary to market to a wide range of customers.

This year our team will incorporate the inputs from the multiple sensors and controls into the system. The project will focus on developing an algorithm to manage the large amount of data from the inputs, and make it useful to the user experience. The device also needs thorough testing and validation because it will be used to support the full body weight of a child; safety is of the utmost importance. Our team will develop a rigorous testing procedure and implement these safety tests to provide validation of the device. The project should deliver a device that has passed our designed safety testing and is able to process and react to all data inputs appropriately. In addition, the kit will be delivered in a form that is both marketable and fun for kids.

Project Name

Motorized Pediatric Stander

Project Number

P19008

Start Term

2018

End Term

2019

Faculty Guide

Kenneth Mihalyov

Primary Customer

Steven Day

Supplemental funding provided by a gift from Harris Corporation

Planning & Execution

Project Photos and Videos

Gate Reviews

Problem Definition

Systems Design

Preliminary Detailed Design

Detailed Design

Build & Test Prep

Subsystem Build & Test

Integrated System Build & Test

Customer Handoff & Final Project Documentation (Verification & Validation)

PRP

Risk Assessment

Schedule

Cost

Use Case

Benchmarking

Functional Decomposition

Morphological Chart

Pugh Chart Concept Selection

BOM

Mechanical Drawings

Electrical Schematic

User Manual

Test Plans

Test Results

Design Review Documents

Technical Paper

Poster

Imagine RIT Exhibit