Week 3- Topic Proposal

PROBLEM OVERVIEW

The current design of traditional crutches have resulted in numerous problems for people who depend on crutches while recovering from leg injuries. Some issues that crutch users have reported were fatigue from prolonged walking with crutches, calluses on the hands that formed from chafing against the hand grip, armpit discomfort (or for women, bust discomfort), and a lack of storage for valuables. As mentioned earlier, these problems that were previously listed arises from the design of a traditional crutch. For example, because of how the crutch tip is flatly shaped, it does not allow for the crutch to “spring” forward or return energy to the user (Fig. 1). In addition, calluses and armpit discomfort result from the use of uncomfortable materials on the hand grip and crutch pad. Lastly, not being able to store any valuables on a crutch is simply the consequence of the lack of a storage pouch on the crutch. Fixing these problems is important because crutches are fairly important in a person recovering from a leg injury. If one is uncomfortable when using crutches, then that person will probably be less likely to utilise them during the recovery process. This lack of using the crutches during the recovery process could impede healing, therefore resulting in a longer recovery process.

Figure 1- Traditional Crutch Design

PRE-EXISTING SOLUTIONS

The design of crutches has not changed much since prehistoric times. In the beginning of use, sticks were used; padding was later added by the patient to improve comfort. The first commercially produced crutch was patented by Emily Schlick in 1917 which was similar to a walking stick [1]. She created a crutch that had a pad for the armpit to rest on. Next came Philipp Cederstom who made a similar cane crutch. Then there was  A.R. Loftstrand Jr’s model that allowed the user to adjust the height of the crutch in 1945 [1].

Different types of crutches
·      Forearm- (Lofstrand crutch) a crutch with a cuff at the top to go around the forearm

·      Underarm-(axillary crutches) a pad against the ribcage underneath the armpit and also holding a grip parallel to the previously stated pad.

·      Strutters- incorporates large soles that remain flat on the floor when the patient walks
·      Platform- the arm rests on a horizontal platform and is strapped in place
·      Leg Support- the affected leg is strapped into a support frame and the load is transferred to the user’s knee or thigh.

PROJECT GOAL

For the Engineering 103 design lab, group six has decided to focus on achieving three main goals when reconstructing the crutches.  The first goal is to improve comfort ability.  Achieving this goal would solve the problems of calluses and armpit (bust) discomfort.  The next goal is to provide storage somewhere on the crutch.  Being able to follow through with this goal would solve the problem of not being able to hold valuables.  Finally, the last design goal for this project is to return energy to the user.  If these goals are successfully completed, the group would have solved the common problem of fatigue from exercises while using the crutch(es).  The ability to achieve these three goals would ultimately result in a success and would solve all of the problems that group six has set out to fix

PROJECT DELIVERABLES

The first deliverable will be an evaluation of standard crutches. This information will be used as a control to test the modifications. Specific measurements will be set so that the changes can be measured objectively.

The second deliverable will be the plan for the crutch modifications. This will include basic drawings and designs for how we will alter the crutch to meet our three main goals. There will be several alternate solutions prepared for each problem.

The third deliverable will be a final design with the planned modifications. This plan will include the exact design for the final construction of the crutch.

The last deliverable will be the modified crutches. Along with the new crutches, test information will be included comparing them to the original crutches.

PROJECT SCHEDULE

• Week 3
• Initial research
• Find out other techniques that have already been done
• Week 4
• Gathering materials
• Continued research
• Draw several options for proposed crutch
• Get springs and different cushion materials
• Week 5
• Finalize design
• Get the rest of the materials
• Week 6
• Initial reconstruction
• Final research ideas
• Hess Lab
• Week 7
• Reconstruction
• Hess Lab
• Initial testing
• Week 8
• Reconstruction
• Final testing
• Begin rough report
• Presentation
• Week 9
• Final design complete
• Finish report and presentation

PROJECTED BUDGET

Foam padding- 2 pads: $0.00 → $10.00
Gel padding- 1 pack: $20.00 → $40.00
Springs- 2: $8.00
Metal piping (brass or steel): $14.00
Possible shipping charges: $10.00 → $20.00

Total projected: $52.00 → $92.00