Designing and optimizing an omni-directional treadmill to enhance virtual reality experience for neuro-rehabilitation purposes.
Designing a treadmill, but not limited to the functions of the conventional uni-directional treadmill, the project aims to achieve multi-directional free movement using omni wheels which would allow a user to move in any direction within the designated treadmill space. With the understanding of the existing prototype, the main goal of this project is to reduce the size of the treadmill and implement a control system that is able to keep a walking user centered on the treadmill at all times.
This project is performed in collaboration with Blue Goji to help improve collective physical and brain health.
*The specifics of the project are not disclosed due to a non-disclosure agreement[NDA]*
The simple principle behind this system is to utilize the knowledge of how a single motor treadmill makes sure the user is able to move in the direction infinitely. Now combining this knowledge with two motors we can achieve motion in two directions. With the right variation of the two motors, we can easily achieve any motion on a 2d planar surface.
The initial stages of the project were mainly focused on how to reduce the size of the existing prototype by not affecting the efficiency and integrity of the system.
With multiple iterations on each stage after working for about 3 months we finalized a design. We redesigned the whole drive system and how each directional motion was achieved. We also reduced the height of the system by 44% by redesigning the platform to make it more sleek and sturdy. But the system's safety factor was increased in comparison to the old prototype. This was possible due to designing the system with careful consideration of the stress concentrators on the platform and remodifying using topological optimization to strengthen them.
I was responsible for the product design team where I technically worked on modifying one of the drive systems, but I also took the initiative of helping the other sub-teams with my knowledge and experience in Finite Element Analysis[FEA], rapid prototyping, proof of concept generation and fabrication. I have also delegated the team on numerous occasions to get the work running to reach our deadlines.
In the final stage of the design phase, I completed the assembly of the entire system using SOLIDWORKS, conducted structural analysis on the platform, and contributed to the team's efforts in fabrication, testing, as well as the assembly of the frame and supports. Our collective dedication and well-planned schedule allowed us to successfully achieve our objectives, ultimately leading to our project's presentation at the Fung Institute Capstone Showcase.