Abstract

Our project is to improve a workspace and computer mouse that can be controlled by mouth for an elderly woman who only has mobility from the neck up.

Introduction

On Thursday, September 8, 2011, we met with our project contact, Ms. Smiley. The issues seen were non-user friendly devices, including a mouth piece that is hard to control, an unmanageable workspace, and a cumbersome mouse. As it is, she cannot use the shift and controls keys on her keyboard as well as drag the mouse. The holder for her mouthpiece is unsturdy and at an uncomfortable height for placing and picking up the mouthpiece. Also, anytime her table/workspace is moved, all of the components have to be put back exactly like before. In addition, the workspace is difficult to move. We intend to improve these devices so that they are accessible and easy to use.

Design Specifications

Requirements:
-Be controlled only using the woman's mouth.
-Accessible using only slight movement of the neck.
-Laptop and mouse at an adjustable angle.
-Holder that holds and makes the mouthpiece easily accessible.
-Workspace must be easily mobile.

Desires:
-Be able to use the shift and controls keys.
-Be able to drag the mouse.
-Be able to accomodate more of her needs (ex: extra mouth pieces, phone holder, remote holder, etc.)
-Workspace that is easily broken down and put back together.

Design Concepts

The workspace includes several components, including the desk and devices for Ms. Smiley's cell phone, remote, laptop, mouse, and mouthpieces. For each component we have provided different designs.

Desk

The table is a must have for Ms. Smiley. Each of the three table top designs were considered, but an angled design could become problematic as the range of motion for her neck is limited.

Laptop & Mouse Devices

Both devices will be created using the same concept; the only difference is in dimensions. Concept ideas similar to pool chairs.

Cell Phone & Remote Devices

Mouthpiece Devices

This design is more stable than the latter, but it also uses more material.

Desk Wheels & Keyboard Mechanism

Ballcaster wheels that can be disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled. Reason for disassembly would be to clean wheels because current wheels are not sufficient anymore due to dirt build up.

Concept Evaluation

For Desk & Wheels:

	Design Concept 1	Design Concept 2
Ease of use	Poor	Good
Maintenance	Good	Good
Safety	Excellent	Moderate
Simplicity	Poor	Good
Cost	Moderate	Moderate
Total Evaluation	Moderate	Good
Design Choice	Design Concept 2

For Mouthpiece Mechanism:

	Design Concept 1	Design Concept 2	Design Concept 3
Ease of use	Good	Moderate	Good
Maintenance	Good	Good	Good
Safety	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Simplicity	Moderate	Good	Moderate
Cost	Good	Good	Good
Total Evaluation	Moderate	Good	Good
Design Choice	Design Concept 3

Design concept 2 chosen for Desk & Wheels.
Design concept 3 chosen for Mouthpiece Mechanism.
Design concept for Laptop & Mouse Devices was approved.

*For the sake of time, designs for phone and remote mounts will be cut.

Design Overview

Part Drawings

Table

Laptop & Mouse Devices

Analysis

Engineering analysis 1 - Tipping of Table

Engineering analysis 2 - Table Springs

Engineering analysis 3 - Tipping of Mouthpiece Mechanism

Bill of Materials

Part	Purpose	Supplier	Size	Qty.	Price/part	Total Price
Casters	Wheels for Table	Lowe's	2"	4	$4.28	$17.12
Steel Tubing	Frame	Billing's Crane	2" x 2" Sq.	20'	N/A	$53.00
Wood	Table Top; Mouse Device; Mouthpiece Holder	Shop	—	—	N/A	N/A
Screws	Laptop/Mouse Devices	Shop	—	—	N/A	N/A
Stain	Mouthpiece Holder	Lowe's	1 Qt	1	N/A	$6.00
Formica	Table Top	Lowe's	4' x 8'	—	N/A	$57.00
Jack Stand	Adjustable Table Height	Oreilly's	2 Ton	2	$24.99	$27.30
Gas Springs	Soften Table	McMaster-Carr	15#	2	$14.25	$28.50
					Tax:	Tax Free
					Total:	$188.92