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The FitSki project aims to redesign the current FitSki to address safety issues, reduce shock loading, improve interface with the board surface, and increase seating comfort for physically disabled individuals in adaptive water skiing. The project is conducted by a group of students from Vanderbilt University under the guidance of Dr. Mark Richter and Dr. Paul King. The design goals include enhanced safety, reduced shock loading, improved interface, and increased seating comfort. The project website is www.bme.vanderbilt.edu/srdesign/2005/group5.
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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 Design Team
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
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
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
Target Users • Physically Disabled Persons
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
Performance Shock Absorbers • Options: • 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
Board Failure • One of the main problems is board failure from the current interface between the FitSki cage and the board
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
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
Current Work • Website Design • Frame Design Ideas • Seat Height Ideas • Research • Hole Patterns • Wakeboards • Slalom Skis • Shock Absorbers • “Air Chairs”
Future Work • Frame Design Drawings • Website Design Completion
Budget • Aluminum Tubing • $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. • $100-$300
Conclusions • Witnessed first-hand the poor interface, shock loading, and the sores from the current seat • A new design is needed
