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Universal Play Frame (UPF). An Adapted Sport Mechanism for Athletes in Wheelchairs. What is the UPF?. Redesigned and constructed by former ME 428 students Enables athletes with a limited range of motion to play several sports that would otherwise be impossible for them to participate in
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Universal Play Frame (UPF) An Adapted Sport Mechanism for Athletes in Wheelchairs
What is the UPF? • Redesigned and constructed by former ME 428 students • Enables athletes with a limited range of motion to play several sports that would otherwise be impossible for them to participate in • Hockey, basketball, golf, and soccer attachments
While the UPF was intended to be an improvement on the Equalizer, there are still many design flaws to be evaluated and reconsidered. • The design flaws we in Kinesiology have identified are completely based on use with actual athletes in wheelchairs. • But, we need your mechanical engineering expertise for these athletes to fully enjoy this sporting experience.
What are the actual design flaws of the UPF Frame? • Lack of frame adjustability • Cannot adjust distance or angle of frame from wheelchair to athlete • Attachment to chair is time-consuming, awkward, inflexible and unreliable • Weight concerns have been addressed. • In redesign, weight should not be compromised for frame stability, rigidity, and stiffness
Basketball Attachment • UPF frame pulls off ground when athlete pulls on basketball bungee • Lift prevents adequate tension/force production • Putter attachment rod is in the way of the basketball travel path • Rod is not easily removable (requires tools)
Golf Attachment • Putter needs to be adjustable in height because wheelchair may require the UPF to be adjusted at different angles. • Too much force is required on athlete’s behalf to pull putter • Harder for athlete to put ball as far as compared to the Equalizer
Hockey Attachment • Thin rectangular handle is difficult for most athletes to grasp • Handle is not adjustable • Too far away from athlete • On right side only • Not usable for left-handed athletes • Hockey blades run into frame • Disables full range of motion of hockey blade
Soccer Attachment • Shining Star of the Equalizer • Athletes thoroughly enjoy this attachment • Main problems surround reaching the scoop, but an adjustment mechanism was made • This problem can also be alleviated through having frame attachment to wheelchair be adjustable
The bottom line… • Enjoyment derived from the athletes and those who participate with them • Play is cathartic • Opportunities for play gives them feelings of empowerment in a world that caters to the able bodied. • Their time spent with these structures is invaluable • However, it cannot be done without engineering marvels like you.