Group 8: Gait-er Aid
Team Members
Roberto Coltraro, David Damiani, Daniel Fischman, Kelly Fox, Lingwei “Will” Kong, Tyler Poon, and Daniel Prestridge
Abstract
The “Gait-er Aid” system is an innovative solution for gait rehabilitation built on
simplicity. First, our unique, lightweight aluminum frame is designed to roll up to most
elliptical systems using leveling casters, allowing for precise positioning and locking. Another
important component of the system is the lifting mechanism, which relies on lead screws and
a Nema stepper motor. A Technora (Kevlar) rope goes from the stepper motor to a
commercial lifting harness, which is safely attached to a participant. To provide continuous
weight offset throughout the workout, a force-based close-loop feedback system is used. This
ensures that the rope tension identified by the desired weight offset is maintained throughout
the patient’s workout routine. To control the system, an easily accessible tablet interface
controls the system at relatively low cost. This means that weight offset changes can be made
during the workout by either the participant or the clinician. For safety purposes, high factors
of safety were ensured across all components. Numerous calculations were also performed to
prevent other failure mechanisms. To further ensure patient safety, multiple fail-safes were
included to prevent harm during normal operation. This includes two switches that terminate
the workout program – a dead-man’s switch on one handle and a reed switch attached to a
lanyard. Three emergency-kill switches were also included, with one for the patient and two
for the clinician.
Poster Presentation Zoom (April 22 4-6 pm): https://ufl.zoom.us/j/92428914288
Design Presentation Zoom: https://ufl.zoom.us/j/98468499648