Sean Gilbert
Ashley Jaeger
Chase Ray
Dustin Ryion
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.
Table of Contents
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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
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
Desk Wheels & Keyboard Mechanism
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 |
Implemented Design
Pictures of procedure and final products.





