Iowa State University

ME270 Project Website

ME270 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering Design is a class offered by Iowa State University through the mechanical engineering department. It is a second course in mechanical design. Students taking this course are primarily sophomores. The goal of this project is to work with Heartland Area Education Agency, a local organization that assists handicap children. Most of the projects you will find on this site are devices which will help integrate handicap students into the recreation activities that kids enjoy. This meets a vital need in the social development of any child, and helps schools to develop activities which include students of any capability.

Each of the links below is a student group project; the students were assigned to make an assistive device to aid handicap kids. The group names are simply for class purposes.

Spring 2004

Section A
GROUP A1	Instant Gratification Device - teaches cause and effect to children who have communication disabilities
GROUP A2	Air Compressor Cannon - allows children with disabilities to participate in throwing activities.
GROUP A3	Basketball Launcher - allows a child with cerebral palsy to shoot a basketball at a regulation hoop.
GROUP A4	Cause -n- Effect Box - learning aid for children with autism.
GROUP A5

Section B
GROUP B1	Cup Holder - wheelchair mounted and able to conveniently swing out of the way.
GROUP B2	Scooter Adaptation - to allow a special needs student to participate in gym activities.
GROUP B3	Bowling Ramp - allows a child in a wheelchair to participate in bowling.
GROUP B4	Remote Control Chalk Writer - children who are confined to a wheelchair can draw on the sidewalk.
GROUP B5	Air Hockey Table - modified to safely accommodate a wide range of disabilities.

Section C
GROUP C1	Dart Launcher - Remotely operated dart launcher.
GROUP C2	Art Station - a portable, free standing desk which is wheelchair accessible.
GROUP C3	Jump Rope Buddy - allows a disabled child to interact in a game of jump rope.
GROUP C4	Oxygen Tank Attachment - allows an oxygen tank to be attached to a standard walker.
GROUP C5	T Ball Hitter - safely hits a ball to allow a student with disabilities to enjoy the game of T ball

Section D
GROUP D1	Batting Machine 2000 - a device to allow a disabled child to participate in a game of baseball.
GROUP D2	Adapt-a-Switch - allows children with disabilities to pitch in a game of baseball.
GROUP D3	Super Scribbler 3005GTX - device to assist children with hindered writing abilities.
GROUP D4	Writing Assistance Device - assists in writing by steadying the hand.
GROUP D5	Tandem Writer - a "mouse" type writer which allows the instructor to assist the student with drawing.

Fall 2003

Section A
GROUP A1	Automatic Page Turner - a device which will allow the user to read with limited use of their hands or arms
GROUP A2	Wheelchair Camera Mount - will allow those confined to a wheelchair and with physical disabilities to operate a camera.
GROUP A3	Hockey Arch Guard - To enable children with a limited range of motion to participate more fully in student activities, specifically the sport of hockey.
GROUP A4	Page Turning Device - turns the pages of a book on command.
GROUP A5	Assistive Hitting Device - designed to allow children who do not have full use of their arms to hit a ball off of a tee.

Section B
GROUP B1	Squishy - a device designed to launch tennis balls.
GROUP B2	The Adjustable Easel - for anyone who wishes to paint or draw with the board close to their reach.
GROUP B3	Mechanical Batter - a free standing system that can be used to assist children with disabilities.
GROUP B4	The Swinger - a device to move a backpack from the back of a wheelchair to a more accessible position.
GROUP B5	PUTTERade - a device to aid a child in playing a game of miniature golf.

Section C
GROUP C1	The Swinger - designed to aid a person in a wheelchair so that he or she can participate in sports like kickball, hockey, mini golf, or croquet.
GROUP C2	Card Playing Machine - allows a person with limited finger and arm dexterity to play cards.
GROUP C3	The Beast - a slingshot ball launcher
GROUP C4	Drawing Dolly - allows children who have problems holding and/or controlling a writing utensil to take part in art activities.
GROUP C5	Wheelchair Ball Launcher - can be used to launch balls at a target without the help of an assistant to reload the toy.

Section D
GROUP D1	VB Launcher - a game using velcro balls shot at a target.
GROUP D2	HANDY - a writing assistant for a child who has a difficult time holding a pencil, pen, or marker.
GROUP D3	The Drawing Aid - an assistive device to aid a student with a disability in writing and/or drawing.
GROUP D4	Frisbee thrower - a device to help students with disabilities throw a Frisbee.
GROUP D5	The Kite Flyer - built to give students with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy flying a kite.

Spring 2003

Section A
GROUP A1	jump rope assistant - a freestanding structure equipped with a small motor that turns a jump rope
GROUP A2	baseball assistive device - allow kids who cannot swing a bat to be able to hit a ball off a tee by simply pressing a button
GROUP A3	the chalk writer - allow kids restricted to wheel chairs to write on sidewalks with chalk
GROUP A4	catapult device - a device designed to launch a ball towards a target
GROUP A5	the castle game - a game designed for the integration of children of all abilities

Section B
GROUP B1	kicking simulator - allow the children to simulate playing soccer, roller hockey, or any other activities involving a kicking or pushing motion.
GROUP B2	the pitcher - a device designed to allow children with disabilities to be the pitcher in a game of baseball
GROUP B3	wheelchair cleaner - a device which cleans the wheels of a wheelchair if they get dirty, for example if they are muddy from playing on a wet field, or sandy from playing outside in the winter, etc.
GROUP B4	the superfly - a device designed to help handicap kids strike a ball towards a target
GROUP B5	kickball device - a device to allow children in wheelchairs to kick a ball for a game such as kickball

Section C
GROUP C1	replacement kicker - a kicking attachment for a wheelchair that is multifunctional
GROUP C2	SPRE wheel - a spinning device that attaches to wheel chair wheels
GROUP C3	pen holder - allow children who have problems holding and/or controlling a writing utensil to take part in art activities
GROUP C4	art drawing stand - aid in the drawing of pictures or in the writing of large letters
GROUP C5	bowling ramp - serves as a means to aim and propel the ball down the lane when the user lacks the physical and/or cognitive capacity required to successfully maneuver the ball on his/her own

Section D
GROUP D1	bubble maker - a commercially available toy bubble maker that has been modified for attachment to a wide variety of wheelchairs
GROUP D2	the kite flyer - a device to aid a person in a wheel chair in flying a kite
GROUP D3	a wheelchair swing - a platform swing that can allow children that are confined to a wheelchair to swing in a playground setting
GROUP D4	the chalk drawer - a simple device that will assist any person confined to a wheelchair in drawing on the ground (asphalt or concrete) with the use of standard chalk
GROUP D5	a wheelchair swing