FitSki Lorielle 11/30/2018

Design Team Project Sponsor: Dr. Mark Richter, MAX Mobility Faculty Advisor: Dr. Paul King, Vanderbilt University Group Members: Lorielle Alter BME Cory Gerken ME Lauren Mitchell CompE Nick Pilkington ME Katy Serowka BME Lorielle 11/30/2018

Design Problem Flaws in the Current Design Safety Issues Back Injuries Ankle/Leg Injuries Hardware Issues Poor Interface Foot Restraints Comfort Issues No Adjustability High Impact Chafing Lorielle 11/30/2018

Design Goals To redesign the current FitSki incorporating four major components: Enhanced safety for the skier Reduction of the shock loading on the skier Improvement of the interfacing of the FitSki with the board surface Increased seating comfort Katy 11/30/2018

Background Adaptive water skiing has grown into a popular recreational activity for people with disabilities who experience an increased quality of life when they can be involved in physically active recreational activities. In the Healthy People 2010 report there is a strong emphasis on the need for physical activity for all people because of its close relationship to health and well being. Enhancing the accessibility and safety of outdoor recreation activities, such as water skiing, for people with disabilities will ensure that they have access to all of the health benefits that a physically active lifestyle provides. Project Website: www.bme.vanderbilt.edu/srdesign/2005/group5 Katy 11/30/2018

Target Users Physically Disabled Persons Katy 11/30/2018

Methods Proposals Shock absorption below the seat Redesign of the interface, better fitting of the holes in the board with the cage Adjustable seat height Removable seat “bucket” Quick release device for the foothold Nick 11/30/2018

Performance Shock Absorbers Options: Concerns Air, Coil Springs, Oil (dampening) Concerns Loading Capabilities Tune-ability Durability/Corrosion Resistance Height Of User Above Board higher position=increased performance + decreased stability Lower position=decreased performance + increased stability Nick 11/30/2018

Board Failure One of the main problems is board failure from the current interface between the FitSki cage and the board Cory 11/30/2018

Comfort Issues The current supports that encompass the thighs tend to rub the skier’s legs until sores are formed User’s legs become chafed due to the velcro straps used in the seat Straps become loose and user must readjust continuously Cory 11/30/2018

Safety Concerns Hip/tailbone injuries when butt strikes the board/seat frame due to the loosening of straps The current footholds do not always release the feet of the skier properly resulting in severe ankle and leg injuries Cory 11/30/2018

Current Work Website Design Frame Design Ideas Seat Height Ideas Research Hole Patterns Wakeboards Slalom Skis Shock Absorbers “Air Chairs” Lauren 11/30/2018

Future Work Frame Design Drawings Website Design Completion 11/30/2018 Lauren 11/30/2018

Budget Aluminum Tubing Shock Absorber Wakeboard $2.00-7.00 per foot 20-30 feet (initial estimate for 1st mock up and following iterations) Shock Absorber $100-$300 Wakeboard $0 (donated) Others: Aluminum plating, drill bits, welding rods, fasteners, etc. Nick 11/30/2018

Conclusions Witnessed first-hand the poor interface, shock loading, and the sores from the current seat A new design is needed Lauren 11/30/2018