1. Karthik Kumar
Sebastian Schillo
Ben Baker
Jessica Thompson
Johannes Ruf

2. Introduction

Product Profile

◦ Problem Definition
◦ Concept: Product Functions and Features
◦ User Profile
Engineering Analysis

Walker Dimensioning and Parts
◦
Modeling
◦
Justification
◦
Risk Assessment
◦
Future Activities

◦ Gantt Chart
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 2

3. To design and construct a bariatric walker that
will aid or assist those weak of strength or
balance to walk in a safe and convenient
manner.
 Provide support to obese or elderly
 Carry additional medical items
 Ensure safety
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 3

4. All aluminum

frame
Heavy-duty

lockable hinges
Ergonomic

handle bars
Reverse braking

mechanism
An in-built belt

Telescopic legs

Latched gate

entry
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 4

5. Primarily for elderly and obese users

Weight capacity of 200kg

◦ Tradeoff between weight and structure of the
walker
Requirements:
Relatively light
Strong brakes
No slip/slide when stationary
Increased protection against falling
Provisions to carry IV equipment
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 5

6. Introduction

Product Profile

◦ Problem Definition
◦ Concept: Product Functions and Features
◦ User Profile
Engineering Analysis

Walker Dimensioning and Parts
◦
Modeling
◦
Justification
◦
Risk Assessment
◦
Future Activities

◦ Gantt Chart
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 6

7. The primary features of the walker are:

◦ Adjustable height for convenience to users
◦ Foldable length for efficient storage
◦ Spring loaded door for entry and automatic closing
behind user
◦ Straps attaching to side walls, serving as fall
protection
◦ Default-locked hand brakes to ensure walker is
stationary while entering and until user ready for
motion
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 7

8. ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 8

9. ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 9

10. Connection of

square aluminum
pipe segments
◦ Inter-connections
and leg connections
via heavy duty
hinges, lockable at
0˚ and 180˚
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 10

11. Simple telescoping

design
◦ Pin connections set
height
◦ Larger top portion for
door attachment
◦ Easy attachment to
caster wheels
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 11

12. Torsion spring

connection to legs
◦ Allows user to only have
to open door to enter,
as door will
automatically close
behind user.
◦ Contains hooked
connection to support
straps
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 12

13. Introduction

Product Profile

◦ Problem Definition
◦ Concept: Product Functions and Features
◦ User Profile
Engineering Analysis

◦ Walker Dimensioning and Parts
 Braking
◦ Modeling
◦ Justification
◦ Risk Assessment
Future Activities

◦ Gantt Chart
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 13

14. Caster Wheels Handlebar
 
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 14

15. Push down the

handlebar to
unlock the brakes.
◦ Brakes locked
automatically to
guarantee that
walker will not slip.
◦ Provides high
stability for patient
while entering
walker
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 15

16. ‣ Interface to the frame is
held by bolts.
‣ Slide bearings reduce
friction while moving.
‣ Torsion spring provides
resistance against
pushing down and is
used to unlock the
brakes.
‣ Integration of functions
can be reduced at the
cost of a higher
complexity of the part
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 16

17. 4” in diameter

and width 2”.
Made of

polyurethane
Excellent for

use on wet
surfaces and
grips well on
hospital floors.
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 17

18. ‣Webbed PP
Straps
Connect to door
o
and side bar
o Purpose to
prevent or alleviate
damage from
falling
‣IV pole
connection
Screwed to front
o
leg
o Hangs down or
out
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 18

19. Introduction

Product Profile

◦ Problem Definition
◦ Concept: Product Functions and Features
◦ User Profile
Engineering Analysis

Walker Dimensioning and Parts
◦
Modeling
◦
Justification
◦
Risk Assessment
◦
Future Activities

◦ Gantt Chart
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 19

20. Buckling of Leg

Bending of Handlebar

Strength of Fall Protection

ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 20

21. F
Fb = 17,528 lbs
Fmax = 440 lbs
SF = 39.84
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 21

22. F
σyield = 35,000 psi
σ = 17,378 psi
δmax = 0.37 in
SF = 2.02
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 22

23. σmax = 11,600 psi
F
σ = 698.27 psi
SF = 16.61
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 23

24. Introduction

Product Profile

◦ Problem Definition
◦ Concept: Product Functions and Features
◦ User Profile
Engineering Analysis

Walker Dimensioning and Parts
◦
Modeling
◦
Justification
◦
Risk Assessment
◦
Future Activities

◦ Gantt Chart
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 24

25. Some existing products offer:
 Foldability
 Intelligent braking system
 Interfaces to commonly used medical devices
 Fall protection
This product offers all of the above with

special emphasis on safety.
◦ Increases range of users.
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 25

26. Walker intended to support, while standing or

moving, human bodies that may be
particularly frail and may have otherwise
needed wheelchairs.
Thus, points of highest risk are:

◦ Falling
◦ Entering walker
The product has been designed primarily with these
risks in mind
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 26

27. Only when falling will the walker need to

support the entire weight of the user.
◦ Provide as much safety as possible without
reducing functionality.
◦ Belt installment can significantly prevent or lower
the consequence of most falls.
◦ Plan B: Place belt through the legs to improve front
fall protection.
 Not implemented, as would reduce functionality
 Handlebar designed in such a way to reduce likelihood
of front tipping, as force applied downwards and well
within base area.
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 27

28. Users of the walkers are inherently potentially

weak or fragile.
◦ While standing, users often try to lean on walker as
a support.
Wheels are default-locked.

◦ Provides stable support while entering.
Walker is back-entry with torsion spring

door.
◦ Allows users to entry directly into back from a
chair.
◦ User does not have to turn around to close and lock
door.
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 28

29. Mainly used material: 6061-T6

Aluminum alloy with magnesium & silicon

Some properties:

Min. yield strength 35000psi (241MPa)

Max. tensile strength 42000psi (290MPa)

ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 29

30. Introduction

Product Profile

◦ Problem Definition
◦ Concept: Product Functions and Features
◦ User Profile
Engineering Analysis

Walker Dimensioning and Parts
◦
Modeling
◦
Justification
◦
Risk Assessment
◦
Future Activities

◦ Gantt Chart
ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 30

31. ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 31

32. ME463 TEAM BASS DESIGN REVIEW 32