Sketches and Plans

Sketches and Plans

Isabella LaCava

Jackson and I are working on solving a problem for Tanis. Tanis has muscular dystrophy and therefore, struggles with the ability to move his arms and other body parts. Tanis has a hard time raising his hand, especially in class when he has a question so our goal is to create a device to help him raise his hand. We have come up with an idea that is similar to a pulley system. Tanis places his arm through a velcro strap attached to his wheeled chair which is also attached to a board above the arm of his wheeled chair. He then uses a rope with his other hand that is attached to the board on the arm of his wheeled chair which then raises his arm. by doing this, Tanis is still putting work to raise his arm and using his muscles. Another idea we had was to create something electronically so that when he raises his arm a little then he also gets the help that pushes his arm up all the way. Once again this allows Tanis to still use his arms and do strength, just adds a little bit of help. Furthermore, we are hoping to email Tanis to figure out what his exact range of motions are and what he can/can not do.  Jackson and I will continue to create our prototype of the first idea and hopefully, when we see Tanis again we can take exact measurements to make to device comfortable and hear his opinion.