Group 6: Adapted Bike

Abstract

In our project, we were tasked to design, model, and build an adaptable tricycle for a child who struggles with the mobility and use of their left side. It was our goal to create a tricycle that can be used for years to come as the child grows.

Seth Casteel, John Dyer, Noah Montgomery, Keeton Stakely (Left to Right Order)

Problem Statement

Parents are wanting us to create a tricycle that will allow the child to use it as he grows. The child has limited mobility movement with the left side of the body. The child can walk but has trouble using his left arm and hand. The need is that the parents want a tricycle that keeps the left side of the body in place while riding and allows assistance to left side usage.

Design Specifications

The family had three specific needs for the child

•A way to help keep the child’s left hand on the handlebars of the tricycle

•A way to help keep the child’s left foot on the left pedal

•An auditory stimulus to help keep the child focused on holding the handlebars

Background Research

•We looked and saw many adaptive tricycles, but none were suitable to the specifications that the family/therapist had set forth.

•We looked for different ways to provide the auditory stimulant to the tricycle.

Concept Design 1

A cradle for the left arm to rest in. The cradle will have straps to help the left arm to stay in place. The grip will have deep grooves for fingers to hold on to. The pedals will have straps to help keep the child’s feet in place.

Concept Design 2

Dubbed the “Frankenstein Bracelet” because of the bracelet’s two sliders that resemble Frankenstein’s neck. This is a splint addition that slides along a track that is mounted to the left handlebar. This allows for slight mobility when turning while holding the child’s hand in place.

Concept Design 3

A strap for the handlebars to keep the left hand attached to the handlebars. The grip will be bigger with larger finger grooves, so the left hand has more to grip and spreads the fingers apart. Straps will also be on the pedals to keep feet in place while riding. There will also be a sound system to play fun sounds when he grips the handlebars, so it motivates the child to keep ahold of the handlebar.

Selected Concept Design

We decided to go with concept three. This design seemed to fit what the family needed the best and would be preferable to manufacture from a fiscal standpoint. Also, providing the most adaptability and usage as the child grows.

Overview of Selected Design

For our design for the adaptive tricycle, we decided that simple was most appropriate for the family. We also wanted something that would be able to be adjusted as the child grows. Our design starts with straps on the pedals of the tricycle to help keep the child’s feet planted as he rides the tricycle around. We then decided to attach straps for the handlebars to help keep the hands in place since our child has mobility issues with his left side. We plan on 3-D printing paws that look like dog paws to attach to the straps because the child loves Paw Patrol. We also plan on attaching a speaker that plays Paw Patrol sounds when a button is pressed. This will act as a motivator to keep the child focused on riding and keeping the left side in place. The grips will also be bigger to help the child grip the handlebars better.

Engineering Analysis 1

Analysis of seat

Engineering Analysis 2

Analysis of Tires

Engineering Analysis 3

Analysis of Pedals

Bill of Materials

Order-Form-Tech-Engineering-for-Kids-TEK_0.xlsx

Document Fabrication Process

Document your build process with text and images.

Testing Results

Testing was made with the paws the make sure all movements were still capable. Testing was made with the speaker to make sure the button was easily pressed when strapped in.

Instructions for Safe Use

Use as a normal tricycle

Semester

2021 Spring