PASADENA>> For those with disabilities, just one tool can sometimes make a huge difference in their quality of life.
Creating one of these tools was one of the reasons for a new mechanical engineering class at Caltech.
Dr. Kenneth A. Pickar,Visiting Professor of Mechanical and Medical Engineering at Caltech, invited Andy Lin, technology specialist at the Center for Applied Rehabilitation Technology at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey, and his colleague Dr. Phil Requejo with Rancho Rehab Engineering. to co-lead the 10-week “Design for Independence from Disability” class.
“The class is focused on designing, modifying, and creating products for people with disabilities,” said Lin.
Caltech engineering students along with a handful of Art Center College of Design students worked to design and build such devices.
The teams held a final project presentation March 5. Some still needed tweaks before they are presented to Rancho staff and patients on Tuesday.
“Some of these products really have potential,” said Lin. “The next step would be to look at possibly making some of these (products) marketable.”
The projects included a wheelchair attachment for hemiplegic patients who can only steer with one arm; a low cost tablet computer mount for wheelchairs to free hands of users and is easy to attach and remove; a weatherproof wheelchair canopy; a 3D printed prosthetic tool that is lighter than current market prosthetics; open source eye-tracking software; a pressure ulcer prevention system; and an ergonomic crutch foot attachment.
“One of the things we learned (from the class) is you talk to people who need (the product), rather than other engineers,” said Pickar. “The true report card is the people using these products.”
Students heard from experts in the field as well as individuals from Rancho as they shared their stories and experiences to give students ideas of what would give them more freedom despite their disability.
Pickar said one of the things he said he will remember the most about this collaboration, is hearing the inspiring stories of disabled individuals.
“Bad stuff happens all the time, but you can still overcome challenges and lead a life that maximizes your capabilities, when other capabilities are going downward,” said Pickar.
Teams not only looked into what they can create to aid the disabled but also did extensive research on what is out on the market and where there may be a need for something new.
“A lot of the (current devices for those with disabilities) are really old design and technology,” said Lin. “Typically the brightest innovators don’t go into this type of field.”
Lin said he hopes students were inspired by the experience and at least consider giving support to the field in the future.
Some teams are excited to present their projects to Rancho patients next week.
“We’re excited to try it on different wheelchairs,” said Caltech student Derek Kearney of his teams’ tablet mount.
“We’re excited to get some feedback,” said fellow Caltech teammate Tara Sowrirajan.
Pickar said he is already planning another class next year, hopefully longer than the 10 weeks they had this time around.
“(Requejo and I) have been really impressed with the teams,” said Lin. “Even if you only benefit one person, you’re making a big difference.”
Paul Bowers, who has been in a wheelchair for 10 years after a motorcycle accident, said he has had to come up with his own inventions to aid him after his disability.
“It’s an area poised for a lot of innovation,” said Bowers, who founded his own business that focuses on assistive technology to promote independence for people with disabilities.
“(All the projects) are interesting in different ways,” he added. “The possibilities are there.”