Powered Tub Lift MSD1

Group P14006

Agenda

• Introductions

• Project Overview

• Problem Statement & Deliverables

• Stakeholder(s)

• Use Scenarios

• Operations Break Down

• Customer Requirements

• Engineering Requirements

• Project Plan

• Benchmarking

• Risk Assessment

• Conclusions

Introductions

Name Major/Role

Amos Baptiste Industrial & Systems Engineer/Team Leader

Jeremy Czeczulin Mechanical Engineer

Andrew Hughes Mechanical Engineer

Richard Prilenski Mechanical Engineer

Current State

• Current device is not stable

• Client feels unsafe • Broken arm rest on left

side due to tub side shelf • Current model not in

production • Parts have been

replaced/fixed due to wear

• Parts that do still work do not always operate properly

• User has difficulty accessing chair

Desired State

• Device has a stable base and build

• Device is easy to access

• Provide leg lifts to assist tub entry and exit

• Easy to operate

• Reclining features

• Transportable

• Meets requirements to satisfy the 10th-70th percentile of men and women, accommodating as many disabilities as possible.

P14006 Problem Statement

• Bathtub lift – a device that provides assistance to an individual with physical disabilities, including limited balance, coordination, or mobility

• Can reduce the difficulties of raising and/or lowering an individual into the tub by utilizing a powered seat and a simple control module

• As population grows the number of aged individuals will greatly increase making demand for assist devices increase

• Project motivation – Theresa Loce

• Improve the current design

• Current device does not meet her needs

• Powered lift that is sturdy, comfortable, easy to use/clean, makes minimal noise, and takes into account physical limitations of user

• Ultimate goal – user maintains autonomy and privacy

Project Deliverables

• Effectively assist the user for bathing purposes

• Device is easy to access from starting position

• Minimized operating time

• Provide a comfortable and supportive seating area

• Accessible to 10th-70th percentile for both genders, regardless of age

• Reasonably lightweight and portable, able to be transported

Stakeholder(s)

• Primary Customer: Theresa Loce

• Contact: 585-647-2329

• Secondary Customer (s): Wheel chair users/handicap public & Elizabeth DeBartalo, Hospitals (RGH), Nursing Homes, suppliers/vendors, & individuals recovering from knee surgeries.

• Contact: eademe@rit.edu

• Faculty Guide: Art North

• Contact: ajnddm@rit.edu

• Sponsor (financial support): RIT & Theresa Loce

Use Scenarios

• Bathtub lifts are effective for many worst case scenarios for the disabled and elderly people. However one critical issue remains, ease of access to the bathtub lift.

• Due to individuals’ mobility disabilities, they often have a hard time being able to position themselves on the seat of the lift.

• Issues such as slipping or periods of instability may occur to the individual needing to get in the actual tub before lowering the lift.

• Individuals’ confidence are decreased due to uneasy feelings of being able to access the bathtub lift.

Operations Break Down

Customer Requirements

Engineering Requirements

Engineering Matrix

Project Plan (WK 4-6)

Benchmarking

• Current Models:

• Maximum weight supported 200-375 lbs

• Uses suction cups for stability

• Uses a waterproof hand remote

• Powered by a rechargeable battery

• Minimum lift height range 2.5”-5”

• Maximum lift height range 17”-21”

• Product total weight 19-27.5 lbs

• Around 7 lifts per battery charge

• Duration of Stroke: Up-50s Down-35s

Risk Assessment

• Ensure user does not fall/slip off device

• Moderate the water temperature

• Water power supply inconsistent – psi level jump due to drop in water pressure

• Electric power supply inconsistent – charge from battery may not be sufficient to operate device when running low

• Device does not fail under loading – must be able to lift well over the minimum requirement

• Not being able to fulfill requirements of broad user base (height/weight differences)

• Fixture dimensions – not able to fit in tub

• Safety of user’s legs – when fixture is lowering, allow adequate clearance, and also while moving user out of tub.

• Transfer from starting position to the device – possible falling injury

Phase I - Retrospective

• Things we have learned as a team:

• Understanding each others’ strengths and weaknesses.

• Assigning roles according to ones’ strengths.

• Proper communication to minimize wasted time.

• Planning ahead of time to effectively utilize given time the whole team is available.

• Take project one step at a time, do not overlook detail that is critical to the customer.

• Understand each others’ ideas and as a team choose the best ones to ensure best results.

Questions?