About the Need knower
•Name: Master Abheetha
•Age: 8 years old
Grade : 4
Interests/Strengths : He is an independent communicator.Abeeth has dedicated parent
•Diagnosis: Cerebral Palsy (CP)
GMFCS level 3/
MACS level 2 and
Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) level 3
•Assistive device used: Rollator (Posterior Walker)
Communication
- Child is a meaningful and independent communicator.
- Child is having a very good situational understanding
- Able to answer for questions while thinking critically
- Child is very cooperative and attentive for the activities
- Didn’t present with any challenging behaviors
Physical challenges
- Gross Motor: The child has muscle tone and coordination issues, with a weaker left side and difficulty controlling his walker due to visual perception challenges.
- Fine Motor: His left hand is weaker than the right, with limited wrist extension, forearm supination, and reduced strength.
Subject/Needs
- Braking System for worker: A customized, user-friendly brake to improve safety and stability.
- Independent Accessibility: Modifications to help the child enter the posterior walker without support.
- Directional Control: A steering mechanism to prevent unintended movement and improve navigation.
Ideas
Idea 01 - Braking system based on a bicycle lever
Sketch 01
This idea involves adapting the mechanics of a bicycle brake lever to the rollator
walker. By using a similar lever system, the user can control the brakes with
minimal effort. Pulling the lever would engage the brakes, allowing the user to stop
or slow down the rollator with ease.
Idea 02 :Braking system based on hand rest movement
Sketch 02
The concept of using Push down lever.When the user
activates the brake, air pressure is directed to a braking mechanism, which
would create friction to slow or stop the rollator. This system could offer
smooth and adjustable braking force, making it easy for the user to control.
Idea 03: Braking system based on a gear lever
Sketch 03
This idea utilizes a
gear shift-style lever to control the braking mechanism.Pulling or pushing the lever would engage a set of brakes on the
rollator. This setup would provide easy and intuitive control for the user,
allowing them to adjust the braking force with a simple movement.
1st Prototyping
Step 01 : Select Best solution
We chose a gear lever braking system for the rollator walker. To make it more fun, we will 3D print parts in his favorite color, blue. Adding car-like controls will help him feel like he is driving, making the experience more exciting and engaging for him.
