Stair Stepper Mechanism Innovated design Jarrett Johnson Advisor: Cris Koutsougeras Instructor: Cris Koutsougeras Et Senior Design Fall 2013

Introduction Stair steppers continue to be popular options for home exercise. They offer the same benefits as running stairs, but with the "any time, in any weather, without having to leave the comfort and safety of your home" added convenience. They don't take up much space, require moderate balance and coordination, and can provide an effective workout for all levels of users, from beginners to serious competitors. Like most exercise equipment, stair steppers have come a long way, technically speaking. Advanced computers on most newer models allow users to track their vitals at a glance. However, the most important benefits of stair steppers are still the basic ways they provide excellent cardiovascular workouts that get the heart pounding, along with the impact the exercise has on muscle tone in the legs, thighs, and buttocks.

Objectives The main objective of my project is to design an exercise mechanism that will allow the foot to achieve natural motion during operation. Some challenges are that I need to create an optimal design that will require low maintenance and be durable while keeping the cost to a minimum. I will use computer simulation to prove that the design will operate efficiently.

Mechanics Of Stair Negotiation 2 quantitative domains  Kinematics- detailed description of motion  Kinetics – understand the causes of motion

Kinetics  Inverse Dynamics – to derive the forces and moments from kinematic equations and parameters of body segment analysis  Use Newton’s Laws of Motion  Divide lower extremities of body into segments and make FBDs  Support moments – to show effects of all moments of lower extremities during support phases of ambulation  Joint power analysis – to determine the contributions of each joint’s moment of force to the overall mechanical energy of the body

Kinetic Analysis

Kinematic Analysis  Linear Position  Linear Acceleration  Angular Position

Similar to AutoCAD but also has a FEA(finite element analysis) software built in

Fall 2013 Study biomechanical engineering and kinematics to determine muscle groups used in order to specify design components to meet criteria based on average physical ability, height, weight. Etc. Study and understand natural ambulation (walking stairs) and develop a mechanical system to simulate the process provide graphical representation of projected design

Elliptical Design Elliptical system uses system of links to prevent the foot pedals from moving side to side or sliding back and forth while allowing the machine to operate in an elliptical motion. A well designed and tested system will provide an adequate amount of support to the feet while allowing the user to feel comfortable and safe while attaining a good workout.

Adjustable Design An adjustable design to better equip users of different sizes and physical abilities. The design will easily accommodate a range of different workouts that will all target the same muscle group for users of different sizes.

Timeline October 25- Presentation/Proposal October 31- begin stress analysis calculations November 5- have the stress analysis calculations completed November 15- formulate design based on calculations Thanksgiving Break- have the design complete and start presentation December 3 – finish final presentation