D E S I G N   D E V E L O P M E N T   A N D   P R O G R E S S

2006-07

➢ During the 2006-07 year several student groups in the Engineering Capstone Design Course worked on the rolling dance project. Stephen Sundarrao (Principal Investigator) was the instructor for the course and helped coordinate student efforts. Merry Lynn Morris (Principal Investigator) guided students in the design concept through sample demonstration. Desired design features and motions for the chair were explained and demonstrated. Visual appearance of the base, directional needs, variable height adjustment, and remote control were design objectives approached by the first capstone group (2006). “Hands-free” movement in connection with the device was addressed by a second capstone group (2007), and two groups worked towards seat adaptations of Segway devices (2007).


➢ In Spring 2007 three student groups in the capstone course worked on varying goals.

Two groups (2nd & 3rd) were assigned to work on seat adaptations for Segway (older and newer models).

One of the modifications developed was more successful as a viable design for use on the older model Segway with stable shaft.

The 4th capstone group worked towards fruition of the chair concept and focused upon the “hands-free” interaction needed with specific design limitations set forth. A conversion apparatus was developed and constructed for use with a power chair.
This prototype design, which enables the user to lean in the desired direction of travel in a hands-free manner is patent pending and has been further developed.


2007-08

➢ Design modifications to one of the prototypes occurred throughout summer & fall 2007, in conjunction with performance needs, and plans for upgrades were developed. The modifications made involved: installation of a seat slider mechanism, addition of a switch enabling the user to change from seat motion control to hand control (joystick) as needed and vice versa, exchange of seat, and painting of the base black.

➢ Design development of a Rolling Dance Platform (RDP) began for use in the USF Dance Concert – Feb. ’08. Jason Winfield, Technical Theatre Director helped to advise. Students: Jeffrey Cama, Brent Savage

Faculty directing the project during this time primarily involved:
Merry Lynn Morris and Dr. Kathryn DeLaurentis (ENG).