March 2025 - April 2025

Header Image Source: Adapted from [1]

💭 Problem Definition

Figure 1: This is one of the assistive devices, an AFO brace, that Addie currently uses to provide security and balance in her daily activities [2].

Figure 1: This is one of the assistive devices, an AFO brace, that Addie currently uses to provide security and balance in her daily activities [2].

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CLIENT PROFILE

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Addie is a 50-year-old woman living with progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS). She faces daily challenges due to limited dexterity, fatigue, impaired balance, and decreased strength—particularly on her right side. These physical constraints significantly impact her independence, making seemingly simple tasks strenuous and exhausting, such as getting into her car’s passenger seat.

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NEED STATEMENT

Create an assistive device for Addie that makes the process of entering her car easier, due to the fact that she currently finds it difficult to place her right leg on the car seat because it is affected by Multiple Sclerosis.

TRANSFERABLE AND TECHNICAL SKILLS

✔️ Iterative Design

✔️ Teamwork and Collaboration

✔️ Effective Note Taking and Professional Documentation

CONSTRAINTS & OBJECTIVES

The assistive device must:

  1. Be single-user operated.
  2. Be able to bear the weight of the client’s leg.
  3. Give the patient stability and confidence.
  4. Ensure minimal dexterity or grip strength required

The assistive device should:

  1. Not rely on right-side dexterity/strength.
  2. Not inhibit patient’s mobility and daily activities.
  3. Be cost effective.
  4. Not induce prolonged fatigue.

🏅 Finalized Prototype

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Application of the Uplift: The user attaches the upper hook of the ratchet strap to their car’s handlebar/assist grip and the lower hook to the gap in the leg clamp. Once securely attached, the user places the leg clamp around their thigh and locks it in place by pressing down on the tab, after which they can move the ratchet mechanism up and down to lift their leg to a desired height.

Application of the Uplift: The user attaches the upper hook of the ratchet strap to their car’s handlebar/assist grip and the lower hook to the gap in the leg clamp. Once securely attached, the user places the leg clamp around their thigh and locks it in place by pressing down on the tab, after which they can move the ratchet mechanism up and down to lift their leg to a desired height.

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UpLift features:

Our design prioritizes these three key concepts.

Our design prioritizes these three key concepts.

📈 The Design Process

Whole Team Contributions

BRAINSTORMING

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After a series of brainstorming sessions focused on Addie’s specific needs we generated multiple potential solutions (Figure 2) and iterated to arrive at the most user-friendly design. As a result, we incorporated two key elements into what we now call Uplift:

  1. Ratchet Strap

    Earlier concepts involved a pulley system, but tangled cables and excessive space requirements posed a risk to Addie’s independence. Replacing it with a ratchet strap delivered a more straightforward and compact setup. The ratchet winds the strap in a circular motion to raise the leg clamp, creating a controlled lift that requires little effort from the user.

  2. Leg Clamp

    We designed a spring-loaded, ratchet-and-pawl mechanism that secures the leg clamp around the thigh. By pressing down on the upper tab, the clamp locks into place. To remove it, the user simply lifts the lever. This feature allows for minimal hand strength and dexterity, making it far easier for Addie to attach the device on her own.

In addition, we made Uplift fully detachable. It hooks onto the vehicle’s handlebars for use and can be conveniently stored in the glove compartment afterward. This portability ensures Addie can bring it along wherever she goes, preserving her independence and confidence.

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Figure 2: The initial brainstorming phase which featured different mechanisms that would ensure that our client can enter her car with ease.

Figure 2: The initial brainstorming phase which featured different mechanisms that would ensure that our client can enter her car with ease.

DESIGN ITERATIONS