The Overcomer Upper Extremity

P17047

09/08/2016

Problem Statement

Revision:3

Owner: Elizabeth Nicolas

How might we ensure that users with physical challenges will be able to independently incorporate themselves into physical activities without feeling an active limitation?

Design, prototype, test, and spec a device that attaches to at least 75% of wheelchairs, walkers, and standers, which will provide its users with the ability to strike, throw, and catch; actions that they would otherwise be unable to perform on their own.

The OvercomerTM is a form of assistive technology that allows the physically challenged to engage in physical and social activities from their stander, walker, or wheelchair. It should allow the users to interact, socialize, and enjoy activities that they would typically be unable to participate in.

Currently there are no universal assistive technologies available that allow physically challenged individuals to participate in recreational activities. A prototype has been developed for lower extremity functions which has a base attachment as well as a hockey stick, catching net, soccer ball guide, and bowling attachment. The prototype attachments have limited functions and are not in a manufacturable state. Currently, there is no prototype for any upper extremity attachments.

The goal of this project is to design and develop the upper extremity portion of The OvercomerTM which allows its user to participate in a variety of physical activities ranging from gym class activities to physical therapy exercises. The OvercomerTM must be affordable, durable, easy to transport, user friendly, and compatible with most mobility aids. The end result is a highly functional prototype to be manufactured and marketed.

The OvercomerTM must not impinge on any other patents and it must meet all standards and regulations for attachment to Class I medical devices. The product should not interfere with the functions of mobility aids and should cost between $500 and $1200 for purchase.

Summarized

●Current State: An assistive technology device that allows the physically challenged to engage in physical and social activities from their stander, walker or wheelchair. Currently there is a prototype developed for the lower extremity and no prototype for the upper extremity.

●Desired State: A working prototype for upper extremity attachments that is manufacturable.

Key Constraints: Affordable ($500-$1200 to purchase), meet all standards and regulations for attachment to a Class I medical device.

The Overcomer Upper Extremity

P17047

09/07/2016

Problem Statement

Revision: 2

Owner: Amy Hughes

The Overcomer is a form of assistive technology that allows the physically challenged to engage in physical and social activities from their stander, walker, or wheelchair. It should allow the users to interact, socialize, and enjoy activities that they would typically be unable to participate in.

Currently there are no universal assistive technologies available that allow physically challenged individuals to participate in recreational activities. A prototype has been developed for lower extremity functions which has a base attachment as well as a hockey stick, catching net, soccer ball guide, and bowling attachment. The prototype attachments have limited functions and are not in a manufacturable state. Currently, there is no presentable prototype for any upper extremity attachments.

The goal of this project is to design and develop for the upper extremity portion of The Overcomer which allows its user to participate in a variety of physical activities ranging from gym class activities to physical therapy exercises. The Overcomer must be affordable, durable, easy to transport, user friendly, and compatible with most mobility aids. The end result is a highly functional prototype to be manufactured and marketed.

The Overcomer must not impinge on any other patents and it must meet all standards and regulations for attachment to Class I medical devices. The product should not interfere with the functions of mobility aids and should cost between $500 and $1200 for purchase.

DESIGNERS’ PROBLEM STATEMENTS:

How might we ensure that users with physical challenges will be able to independently incorporate themselves into physical activities without feeling an active limitation?

Design, prototype, test, and spec a device that attaches to 75% of wheelchairs, walkers, and standers, which will provide its users with the ability to strike, throw, and catch; actions that they would otherwise be unable to perform on their own.

The Overcomer Upper Extremity

P17047

Problem Statement

Revision: 1

FORMAT FOR PROBLEM DEFINITION-[1]

-desired state

-current state

-project goals

-key constraints

Robert:

Desired State: The overcomer is a form of assistive technology that allows the physically challenged to engage in physical and social activities from their stander, walker, or wheelchair. It should allow the user to interact, socialize, and enjoy activities that they would typically be unable to participate in.

Current State: A prototype has been developed which has a base attachment, hockey stick, net, soccer ball guide, and bowling attachment. The prototype attachments have limited functions and are not in a manufacturable state. Currently, there is no presentable prototype for any upper extremity attachments.

Project Goals & Key Deliverables: The goal of this project is to develop a design for the overcomer which allows its user to participate in a variety of physical activities ranging from sports and gym class activities to physical therapy exercises. The overcomer must be affordable, durable, easy to transport, user friendly and easily manufactured. The end result is a highly functional prototype which will be marketed and manufactured.

Key Constraints: The overcomer must not impinge on any other patents and it must meet all standards and regulations.

Hannah:

Desired State:

Current State: Currently there are no universal assistive technologies available that allow physically challenged individuals to participate in recreational activities. There are working prototypes of a multifunctional wheelchair/stander attachment that allow users to participate in athletic activities but they are new and unrefined.

Project Goals & Key Deliverables: The goal of this project is to design an attachment for mobility aids that allows physically challenged individuals to participate in recreational and athletic activities. The design should be compatible with at least 75% of mobility aids, be lightweight, durable, and must be enjoyable for the person/people using it.

Key Constraints: The product should not interfere with the functions of mobility aids and should cost between $500 and $1200 for purchase.

Liz:[2]

Key Constraints: The Overcomer should assist in increasing the user's range of mobility without causing any undue harm (emotional or physical). Also, it should not cause any undue burden on the user (spatially or otherwise).

DESIGNERS’ PROBLEM STATEMENTS:

Jamie: How can a product ensure that users with physical challenges will be able to independently incorporate themselves in an activity that they love without feeling an active limitation?

Emma: Design, prototype, test, and spec a device that attaches to 75% of adolescent wheelchairs, walkers, and standers, which will provide its users with the ability to strike, throw, and catch, objects that they would be otherwise unable to perform these actions on.

Design, prototype, test, and spec a device that attaches to 75% of adolescent wheelchairs, walkers, and standers, which will provide its users with the ability to strike, throw, and catch, objects that they would be otherwise unable to perform these actions on. The product will ensure that users with physical challenges will be able to independently incorporate themselves in activities without feeling active limitations.

[1]This is a great start. Try to come to concurrence on a statement remembering that you will have the chance to refine it over the next several weeks. Think about what you want to refine and why, then propose and select options. To some extent, this is like trying on clothes to see what fits and makes the desired impact.

[2]This is juat an idea on what can be added to the overall statement, I want to avoid repeating things already said