1. FitSki
Lorielle
11/30/2018

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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:
Katy
11/30/2018

6. Target Users
Physically Disabled Persons
Katy
11/30/2018

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

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

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

14. Budget Aluminum Tubing Shock Absorber Wakeboard
$ 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

15. 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