V-Cleat Attachment/Prosthetic for Adaptive Sailing

V-CLEAT ATTACHMENT/PROSTHETIC FOR ADAPTIVE SAILING

DPM Final PresentationFall Quarter 2012

Project Background Adaptive sailing allows for people

with disabilities to participate in sailing.

Sailing is unique in sports in that disabled people can compete on a level field with able-bodied sailors with technological assistance.

Adaptive sailing projects have previously run as MSD projects, most recently last spring with the successful completion of Project P12031: Motion Assisted Seating Device for Sailing

Richard Ramos, customer from the previous MSD project, sails utilizing adaptive technology

ME•R•I•T

Project Description In essence, the device uses

a simple mechanical “cleat” to grasp lines securely and easily

Device should firmly grasp lines until released by the user

Device should be simple, intuitive, waterproof and buoyant

ME•R•I•T

Functional Decomposition

Helps Impaired

Users Manipulate

Lines

Disconnects from User

Connects to User

Usable by Armless User

Usable by Reduced Control or

Strength User

Holds Line Securely

Releases Line on Command

ME•R•I•T

Target Audience Designed for sailors with:

Limited hand strength Limited arm control Amputated hands or arms

This device would allow users who were previously unable to assist with trimming sails.

ME•R•I•T

Project Goals Most important goal is to deliver a safe

and functional product Students participating in this project

would be expected to become familiar with all required sailing terms and nomenclature

Students would have to use sound engineering judgment in balancing the different project requirements while still staying under budget

ME•R•I•T

Staffing/Funding This project is aimed at a smaller group

than normal, with the group size being 2 students 1 Mechanical Engineer 1 Industrial/Systems Engineer

While this is smaller than a normal MSD team, it would be a good solution for students who join the class late.

Funding does not appear to be a problem, with the total project budget of less than $400. ME•R•I•T

Remaining Obstacles The project currently lacks a customer,

and a strong customer would significantly improve the project’s chance of success.

ME•R•I•T

Remaining Obstacles The project currently lacks a customer,

and a strong customer would significantly improve the project’s chance of success.

ME•R•I•T

Questions?

ME•R•I•Thttp://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JWuRIKLIOLs/Tz--j5r7fnI/AAAAAAAAAKY/7-Gg6laP-dE/s1600/HomerSimpson46.gif

Sources http://

olympics.ussailing.org/files/2012/09/IFDS-030912-SKUD_DSC_0666.jpg

http://www.jboats.com/j24/images/j24roundisland.jpg

http://www.cleverpig.org/QUADSAILOR/?page=gallery