Universal Play Frame (UPF)

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Universal Play Frame (UPF)

• An Adapted Sport Mechanism for Athletes in
  Wheelchairs

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What is the UPF?

• Redesigned and constructed by former ME 428
  students
• Enables athletes with a limited range of motion
  to play several sports that would otherwise be
  impossible for them to participate in
• Hockey, basketball, golf, and soccer attachments

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The Equalizer (manufactured by Sportime
International)
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• While the UPF was intended to be an improvement
  on the Equalizer, there are still many design
  flaws to be evaluated and reconsidered.
• The design flaws we in Kinesiology have
  identified are completely based on use with
  actual athletes in wheelchairs.
• But, we need your mechanical engineering
  expertise for these athletes to fully enjoy this
  sporting experience.

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What are the actual design flaws of the UPF Frame?

• Lack of frame adjustability
• Cannot adjust distance or angle of frame from
  wheelchair to athlete
• Attachment to chair is time-consuming, awkward,
  inflexible and unreliable
• Weight concerns have been addressed.
• In redesign, weight should not be compromised
  for frame stability, rigidity, and stiffness

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Basketball Attachment

• UPF frame pulls off ground when athlete pulls on
  basketball bungee
• Lift prevents adequate tension/force production
• Putter attachment rod is in the way of the
  basketball travel path
• Rod is not easily removable (requires tools)

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Golf Attachment

• Putter needs to be adjustable in height because
  wheelchair may require the UPF to be adjusted at
  different angles.
• Too much force is required on athletes behalf to
  pull putter
• Harder for athlete to put ball as far as compared
  to the Equalizer

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Hockey Attachment

• Thin rectangular handle is difficult for most
  athletes to grasp
• Handle is not adjustable
• Too far away from athlete
• On right side only
• Not usable for left-handed athletes
• Hockey blades run into frame
• Disables full range of motion of hockey blade

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Soccer Attachment

• Shining Star of the Equalizer
• Athletes thoroughly enjoy this attachment
• Main problems surround reaching the scoop, but an
  adjustment mechanism was made
• This problem can also be alleviated through
  having frame attachment to wheelchair be
  adjustable

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The bottom line

• Enjoyment derived from the athletes and those who
  participate with them
• Play is cathartic
• Opportunities for play gives them feelings of
  empowerment in a world that caters to the able
  bodied.
• Their time spent with these structures is
  invaluable
• However, it cannot be done without engineering
  marvels like you.