Stand Alone Group Members: Jaime Alvarez Austin Chamberlain Trey Smith Jung Hoon Kim

Executive Summary Problem: Elderly or disabled individuals living alone may fall and need help standing up. A need exists for a device to aid them in standing up alone. Objective: Design and build a device to help people stand from the floor. The device should be simple to operate, safe, and affordable.

Approach Conduct thorough Biomechanical analysis to yield the best solution:  Conduct research on nature and severity of falls  Consult physical therapist for information on falls  Analyze feasibility of device for various conditions  Use BME, ME, and EE expertise to design the best solution

The Market and Similar Devices 1991 NASA study estimated 8 million people could benefit Many types of lifting devices exist Problems with existing devices  User has to possess good upper/lower body strength  Don’t lift high enough or descend low enough  Designed for wheelchair transport

Solution: Stand Alone Device Fixed and stable Easily Accessible Unobstructed entrance Simple Mechanism

Design Background and Specifications Chain/pulley system for lifting Protection from moving parts Stable, welded iron frame for strength Seat should come down to less than 1 in. from the ground Seat should lift high enough for all people (at least 3 ft) Tilting seat movement to aid the user in exiting the lift. Simple control and easy-access seat Seatbelt for safety Cut-off switch Reduce friction and noise

Model Pictures

Current Design

Timeframe April  Estimate the cost and possible price of the device.  Complete work on final presentation & prototype.  Complete comfort and safety improvements.  Complete minor stuffs: painting, market issue, etc..

Costs  Winch: $150-$200  Angle iron: $0.60/foot  Welding materials: $10 Resources  BME lab workshop  Machine Shop

Insurance Coverage Requirements Medical prescription required Medical need must be demonstrated Device may not be fully covered, 80% Patient must demonstrate walking ability (DME) Durable medical equipment coverage required

Conclusions Finalize design  Add sound insulation  Improve appearance  Add more safety features Finalize marketing approach  Establish retail price  Detail medical coverage

Recommendations Reduce size & weight of device Use more innovative materials Insure quiet operation Improve comfort level Propose advanced patient finding features Detail marketing approach

Team Qualifications Jaime Alvarez ME, Experience with Robotics, Computer Graphics Austin Chamberlain BME Trey Smith BME Jung Hoon Kim BME, EE, Electrical Engineering expertise for possible use in device control system and operation

Advisers & Consultants Dr. Paul H. King Professor of Biomedical Engineering Jason Roberts State of Tennessee's Employment Security Professor Barnett ME Professor David Owens Owen Business School Professor Gary Chamberlain Welder/ Carpenter