Currently, there is a limited number of accessible machine options that have the ability to strengthen primary standing/balance muscles surrounding the hips, front of pelvis, inside/outside of the upper thighs, and glutes for individuals with balance impairments, such as Cerebral Palsy, other disabilities, injuries, or elderly people.

In general, standard exercise equipment does not ensure stability and safety for these individuals. The machine either lacks a surface for the user can grip to keep balance, or the user needs to step up or lift themselves into the arm rests which is difficult for balance impaired individuals.

Industrial Design students started this project with the Studio 9.30 program this past summer. They have defined the problem statement and the general project scope, in addition to designing and building a prototype for the balance machine. The physical prototype is primarily for proportional reasons at this time, as the design has gone through various iterations for improvement. There is an updated CAD model of the team’s final design. This model is fairly developed; however it still has a lot of mechanical and electrical developments, in addition to a large amount of potential for improvement.

This MSD project would aim to develop and build an accessible exercise machine that will help strengthen muscles and improve range of motion while allowing the user to feel secure. The machine is intended to be set up anywhere with enough space for it to be used properly, such as in a gym, a physical therapist's office, or a home gym. Ideally, this machine should adjust and accommodate for any individual’s needs so he or she may have a positive experience.

Project Name

BalanX Exercise Machine for Individuals with Balance Impairments

Project Number

P20006

Start Term

2191

End Term

2195

Faculty Guide

Minunni, Mark (mxmddm@rit.edu)

Primary Customer

Coon, Brennan (bdcsid@rit.edu)

Planning & Execution

Project Photos and Videos

Imagine RIT

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

Schedule

Requirements

Cost

Risk Management

Problem Management

Communication & Minutes

Use Cases

Benchmarking

Functional Decomposition

Morphological Chart

Pugh Concept Selection

BOM

Mechanical Drawings

Electrical Schematics

Software Diagrams

Facility Layout

Manuals

Mockups

Test Fixtures

Prototyping

Test Plans

Analysis Results

Simulations

Test Results

Design Review Documents

Technical Paper

Poster

Imagine RIT Exhibit