Publication Date

12-9-2018

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Peterson, Donald C.

Degree Name

B.S. (Bachelor of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

For this project, the CIS mobility team from the College of Engineering & Engineering Technology was approached by the family of a 13-year-old high school student named Kelly, who is diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy symptoms and has severe mobility issues. She has involuntary muscle movements, especially in the lower extremities, and problems with posture, balance and depth perception, making it difficult for her to walk. Kelly is currently relying on a wheelchair, and the family has concerns that if she remains bound to her wheelchair, she will need to undergo more surgeries that could potentially lead to her losing the ability to walk. The goal of this project is to design and produce a mobility assistive device that is more economical, versatile, and effective than current alternatives. The motorized assistive walker from this project is made to provide support for Kelly with better walking postures, to gain safety and independence in her mobility, and to improve muscular strength along the way, preventing related surgeries in the future. The main advantage of this device is that the user can choose between the manual and motorized mode, and this has given flexibility in user experience. In addition to functionality, the device is relatively inexpensive compared to other non-motorized walkers and rehabilitative devices currently available in the market. The motorized walker will also be to assist any individual in becoming mobile and provide a rehabilitation aspect to the device.

Comments

This is an interdisciplinary project between the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Department of Electrical Engineering.

Extent

42 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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