Area of Study

The project uses elements from every STEM field. Science will be used to take into account friction and how different materials will have different effects on the project and react to outside factors. Math will be used to calculate weight and measure dimensions to learn how to change dimensions. Technology and Engineering will both be used in tandem. These two fields of STEM will be used in order to help the project operate through the use of sensors and motors. Additionally, code will be essential as it will be what instructs the motors and sensors. The Paraplegic Stair Elevator will mostly run on motors and gear systems.

Statement of Sub-problems

• What will the CAD files for the project look like?

• What will be the cost of making this project?

• What electrical components will be used?

• What materials will be used?

• What will be the size of the project as a whole?

Limitations of the Study

• One year to work on this project

• Limited knowledge on CNC machine

• Limited knowledge on CAD programs

The Essential Question

• Who will this Stair Elevator help?

• How easy will the Paraplegic Stair Elevator be to use?

• How can we build the garden sensor?

• How will the ESR remove squirrels ethically?

Assumptions

• We have the coding knowledge needed to complete this project

• We will have access to all the parts needed

• Components will be fully functional

• CAD modeling will go through many altercations 

• Any Bluetooth components used will be able to easily connect

• By the end of first semester the blueprints, designs, and schematics will be completed and all the necessary materials for the project will have arrived.

• From winter break to spring break is when most of the major development for the project will occur

• After spring break the project will be tested and revised.

Project Definition

• This project is mainly targeting people with physical disabilities like they need a wheelchair to get from place to place. How this invention would work is like a normal set of stairs but the twist is when a person either steps and rests at the top or bottom step. There will be a sensor that will start moving the stairs and the person will be able to get from the bottom of the set of stairs to the top without help and vice versa. This device is simple to use with the person just needing to roll and rest on the bottom or top step to trigger the sensor 

Learning and Growth

• Nivan has a strong foundation with Arduino, Wiring, and the code used for motors and mechanisms.

• Julio excels at concept development, documentation and designing. This project will allow him to further exercise those skills and allow him to develop a design of his vision.

• Heather has expertise with CAD design with software such as Fusion 360. This project will heavily use Fusion 360 which will allow Heather to learn even more about the software and increase her experience.

Preliminary Project Cost Estimate and Sponsorship 

• The school will provide students with a grant to work on their decided project. The grant money is estimated to be around $200.

Final Product

• At the end of this project we will have fully built a scaled down staircase elevator that if fully realized could support a person's body weight and carry them up or down a flight of stairs. Its purpose is to help make areas more accessible.