Group 3: Assistive Lift Elliptical eXerciser (ALEX)
Team Members
Kenneth Doerseln, Jared Lee, Ravi Patel, Alex Pothen, Madeline Stanley, Samuel Toby, Daniel Wong
Abstract
The Assistive Lift Elliptical eXerciser (ALEX) is a simple, user-friendly Body Weight
Support (BWS) system designed for elliptical training applications and has been engineered
with the patient and assistant in mind. The system prioritizes patient comfort by facilitating
natural gait cycle movement, while dynamically supporting the user’s body weight. The lifting
and translation systems in this design require no additional effort from the patient during
setup. The ALEX features a frame design that incorporates all the systems in one central
location ensuring that all essential features are self-contained. The frame has also been
designed to allow the assistant easy access to the patient to aid both in setup and monitoring.
A key feature of the ALEX is the incorporation of retractable wheels, allowing the transition
between a fixed and mobile system while only requiring one assistant. The static support
system utilizes a winch for most of the lifting and lowering of the patient. It is independent of
the dynamic support system that features a spring-plate mechanism to offload small variations
in weight. The control system is not constrained by its placement since they are used by the
assistant as a handheld device. The ALEX is adaptable and can be used beyond elliptical
training. For example, this design allows for the accommodation of walking or floor exercises.
Poster Presentation Zoom (April 22 4-6 pm): https://ufl.zoom.us/j/3999955683
Design Presentation Zoom: https://ufl.zoom.us/j/3999955683