Caves - BME 260 Modified tricycle project

Duke University Capstone Biomedical Engineering Project by students: Alex Feng
Lola Xie
Jessica Zinck

Project Description:

Children with disabilities are often left out on the playgrounds and left behind from activities. The adapted tricycle was designed to help alleviate these problems, by being both safe and easy to use for children with TAR syndrome. The tricycle was adapted from a Triaid TMX tricycle. The steering component was taken off the Triaid tricycle and a new adapted four-bar linkage steering mechanism was fitted on, which can be adjusted in height. This allows the client to reach the handle bar and steer the tricycle using his stronger shoulders. The braking system was also adjusted to allow braking by foot while pedaling with the other foot. This change was necessary to utilize the strength of the legs rather then depending on the relatively weak hands. In addition, the gear system was changed on the tricycle to allow it to move faster so that the client can keep up and feel more like he is riding a standard bicycle. The overall design focused on ease of use, independence, versatility, cost-effectiveness, and aesthetic appeal.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Video_fellows_08-09
• engineering
• health