A woman with muscular dystrophy wanted a system developed to help her in making transfers independently between a prone position on her bed and to either of two wheelchairs and back. This task was accomplished by researching the disease to determine possible future needs, interviewing the client to determine precise desires and goals. and measuring the client's room (the installation site). The next step was researching existing lift and transfer methods, researching harnesses and slings, evaluating each of these, creating a design, and creating a mathematical model to determine the appropriate support rope lengths and the forces exerted on the client. The proposed solution uses a Guldmann GH2+2 unit to lift the client using a harness and sling system. The harness selected uses clasping buckles instead of using straps threaded through typical buckles. The buckles are typically opened and closed with one hand, so the client should be able to manipulate the buckles, even if she has to use both hands. In order to ensure that the legs are kept high enough to clear the wheelchairs and bed. a sling will also be placed under the client's legs to give them extra support. A mathematical model of the support system resulted in at least three acceptable solutions for the lengths of the supporting ropes.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Ribner, Thad Bryant

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 07D078M

Advisor

• Hoffman, Allen H.
• Ault, Holly Keyes

Year

• 2007

Date created

• 2007-01-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright