Design and construction of a practical and portable household lifting-aid for the physically impaired

Thesis (S.B.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2008.Includes bibliographical references (p. 40).TV's to mini-fridges, the design of a hand operated lift, to be lightweight and easily disassembled, 200 lbs max. Interviews were conducted and observations were made in order to determine various tasks that proved particularly difficult for those reliant on a wheelchair. From this data, various product ideas were sketched so to determine the potential impact that could be made on improving each respective task. Finally, based on level of need expressed by the user, apparent feasibility of design, and general lack of substitutes already on the market, the decision was made to pursue design of an in-home lifting-aid. The intended function of the device would be to help with moving heavy items from the floor level up to table/desk height with minimal effort by the user. Based on preferences expressed by the user, a functional, hand operated prototype was built that could lift a max of 200 lbs with a 6:1 mechanical advantage. Further discussion explores the possibility of mass production of said device.by Gregory L.B. Sanz.S.B