The Uplift™ was designed as part of my undergraduate senior design course as member of a seven-person team. The other team members are Austin Godwin, Caleb McDonald, Mark Montoya, Alfred Tripodo, Muzi Wang, and Cassandra Whitcombe. The design was further refined and realized by three team members, Alfred Tripodo, Muzi Wang, and Cassandra Whitcombe and other students in a subsequent course. The initial design is located on the left.

The Uplift™ is a powered adaptive exercise machine that wheelchair bound individuals, such as quadriplegics, can use to improve their upper-body strength and mobility. An individual can use the Uplift™ to perform a narrow or wide chest press, rowing, or shoulder press.

Every aspect of the product, such as structural and electro-mechanical components, was designed and analyzed using theoretical analysis and computer-generated simulations. For example, engineering analysis was performed on the Uplift™ to determine the loads and speeds of the actuators and to evaluate if the device met desired performance specifications. In addition, a manual assembly process and cost analysis was performed. Finally, a Risk Assessment was performed to develop Safe Operating Procedures.

Full Design Report Found Here.

Video of Uplift™ prototype realized by Alfred Tripodo, Muzi Wang, Cassandra Whitcombe, and other students found here.