Design Excellence Award Fall 2014
A team project conducted in a class based on Human Factors for a neurological rehabilitation center in Phoenix, Arizona. This facility needed a new type of agility ladder to challenge recovering stroke patients with different levels of walking and stepping exercises. The Link-Up agility ladder provides a wide range adjust-ability and aids faster recovery
Existing equipment at the Rehabilitation Center
Pros:
Easy to roll out
Less storage space required
Light and durable
Cons:
Low adjust-ability
Fixed distance between rungs
No height elevation to step over
Brainstorming for ideas
First prototype: 3D printed links
8ft prototype of second iteration of the design
It was observed that the links could be manufactured using extrusion process if the central hole was avoided. So they were redesigned such that they would be extruded and would require very little post-machining.
The rungs (polystyrene, 20" length) were designed to have C-clamps at end made out of ABS for flexibility. They easily snap on to the links wherever needed. For the prototype they were 3D printed with ABS
First demonstration of the prototype to the physical therapists
Third Iteration: The therapists pointed out an issue with the twisting of the links when the internal shock cord was loosened for storage which would add to installation time for the next use. The next prototype resolved this issue.
Each link is 3" long and it takes time to count the links to measure the distance in feet. So the links were color coded alternately to make measurements faster and easier.
The new prototype was taken to the rehabilitation center and the therapists tested it and approved the design.
Product Features
A 15ft long Link-Up ladder can be manufactured in under $4.00 since it uses simple manufacturing processes and easily available materials. Its length can be customized to fit the user's needs
The raised links simply collapse and the rungs flex or detach if touched, avoiding any injury to the patients
Assembly and Storage
Other uses
This ladder could be arranged in various patterns to be used for sports training.
The Link-Up agility ladder was given to the Neurological Rehabilitation Center and is currently being used by their therapists to treat many recovering patients