Group 6: Oscillation Damping Bodyweight Support System
Team Members
Brian Berman, Julio Ferrer, Sunil Ghosal, Bryce Malone, Dominik Medyk, Andre Oliveira, Andrew Smith
Abstract
Team six was tasked with designing a body weight support system (BWS) to support up
to 300lbs with variable body weight reduction. The system incorporates a modular frame
capable of fitting through a standard size door and is less than 9ft tall. The system is mounted
on caster wheels and can be rolled on a flat surface to a desired position. The design features
an automated system, which allows a patient to use the machine without the assistance of an
operator. To use the system, a patient rolls their wheelchair to the back of the system. Once
in position, the patient can be hoisted into position above the elliptical via a winch and dual
NEMA 23 Stepper motor driven power screw. The control system utilizes two motors, a winch
and a stepper motor, and a spring pulley system. The winch along with the spring pulley
system provides most of the force needed to offset the desired weight while the second motor
provides an additional force adjustment capability to account of the movement of the patient.
The system also features redundancy in the case of a cable failure. This redundancy system
functions through a seatbelt locking assembly along with a system of springs and dampeners
to slowly bring the patient to a halt. The entire system was designed to have a maximum power
draw of 1200 watts and would cost less than $4000.
Poster Presentation Zoom (April 22 4-6 pm): https://ufl.zoom.us/j/95617134267
Design Presentation Zoom: https://ufl.zoom.us/j/91599924843