Spring 2026 Project 99: Admin Config

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This project involved combining mechanical design and electronics to deliver a functional, interactive driving simulation experience. The project involved designing the system using off-the-shelf components, but their availability proved inconsequential due to issues with the devices required for the project. The incompatibility issue with the HoriFlex adapter for the steering wheel and the need to improvise a solution for the input functionality were addressed by designing a 3D-printed button housing to serve as a functional input interface.

Moreover, aside from the project’s complexities, the activity has highlighted the importance of testing and collaboration in engineering design. The inclusion of the Power Wheels car body transformed the project from a simple controller into an immersive experience designed for a younger audience. This served to emphasize that engineering projects tend to go beyond functionality into design and fabrication. The activity has improved the skills in mechanical prototyping, electrical integration, and creative problem-solving skills of the involved individuals.

Problem Statement

Children with cerebral palsy often struggle with their fine motor control, which can leave them feeling left out when their siblings play video games like Mario Kart. Our goal is to create an immersive gaming center for children with cerebral palsy, allowing them to play Mario Kart with their siblings.

Design Specifications

A way for the kids to comfortably handle the steering wheel
Accessible acceleration method
Needs a way to mount to the wheelchair securely

Background Research

Looking at pre-made racing simulators, they come with chairs that are attached to the rest of the setup, which would not be ideal. These full racing simulators can be costly, depending on the manufacturer, with some going upwards of $30,000.

Concept Designs

Design One

Design One involves purchasing a steering wheel that is compatible with a Nintendo Switch, has an accessible grip, and has a programmable button for acceleration. The parts will need to be purchased separately and assembled into one product. The grip will need to be either a glove or straps that connects to the steering wheel. The programmable button will be placed on the back of the wheelchair’s headrest, so when the child wants to accelerate, all they have to do is tilt their head back.

Design Two

Design Two involves a similar setup as Design One, but instead of the programmable button, we will have a foot pedal set that comes with a steering wheel. This design will require another person to accelerate and decelerate.

Design Three

Design 3 features a steering wheel mounted on a stand. Instead of attaching to the wheelchair’s activity tray/table, the children can move over to the stand and use it. This design will also use a programmable button.

Selected Design & Decision Matrix

Our selected design is a combination of Design 1 and 3. Instead of clamping the steering wheel onto the activity tray, we will clamp it onto a table.

Design Overview

No Overview provided

Design Details

With this design, the steering wheel is clamped onto an adjustable table. The steering wheel comes with a clamping mechanism, which we will use. The table’s height and angle are adjustable, which will allow for ease of use. The gripping aid gloves help the children hold onto the steering wheel without having to heavily rely on finger control. The steering wheel has adjustable sensitivity to make it easier or harder to turn the wheel, which helps children who have a hard time moving their arms. The Nintendo Switch does not allow for native connection for most accessories. The adaptive hub connects to the Nintendo Switch and allows for the steering wheel and programmable button to work with the Nintendo Switch. The programmable button is used to accelerate in the video game, and the button is strapped onto the child’s wheelchair’s headrest via Velcro straps.

Engineering Analysis

Analysis One

This analysis is over the dimensions to give a better idea of how big the project will be. The table will ideally only have the steering wheel and decorations on it.

Analysis two

This is a table comparison analysis. We picked out a few different table options and compared their dimensions and cost. This gave us a better idea of which table would be best to use.

Analysis three

This is a weight analysis. This shows the total weight of the project. The table has a holding capacity of 30 pounds as per the website. The only items that will be on the table is the steering wheel along with any decals and cosmetics. The steering wheel weighs nearly 6 pounds which is far under the table’s weight capacity of 30 pounds. Even if everything is on the table (which it will not be), the total weight is still under the table’s weight capacity.

CAD Design

Document Fabrication Process

The table and steering wheel assembly was the first component constructed, and the fixation of the steering wheel to the table edge was the second. Initial testing verified the steering wheel’s functionality with the Nintendo Switch. However, a challenge arose during the incorporation of the HoriFlex controller. The adapter that came with the equipment prevented simultaneous operation of the HoriFlex and the steering wheel. The inability to recognize the two components necessitated disassembling the original pedal assembly accompanying the steering wheel. To maintain functionality, the potentiometer was removed, and a 3D case was designed to convert the pedal input into a button input system. The designed button system facilitated a direct connection to the game’s control system while providing the correct response to input signals. To improve the children’s experience, design elements were considered. The body of a Power Wheels car was sourced, the hood section was cut and mounted on the table structure, and toy wheels were mounted on the exterior to give the impression of seating in a vehicle.