Students, Engineers, Problem Solvers
At DU, our undergraduate engineering students solve real-world problems.
During the past two years, undergraduates worked to create exercise machines as a part of their senior-level coursework. The idea was to address the physical and social needs of people with disabilities.
DU engineering students have created new exercise machines designed to take the pain out of working out.
The class—Bioengineering Systems Design—gave the students an opportunity to help people who are obese, have limited mobility, have limited sensation or are undergoing rehabilitation. Students also received hands-on experience just before they hit the job market.
DU students were involved in all steps of the project, from the initial design to actual metal fabrication of the exercise machines. The devices had to be easy to use and sturdy enough to handle patients weighing up to 500 pounds. The students then contacted local healthcare providers, who identified patients that needed help.
The program has attracted the support of the National Science Foundation, which provided a $75,000 grant to further the machines’ research and design.
Conceiving new designs
One group of students in the class created a custom leg exerciser that simulates a traditional leg-press and squat workout without straining fragile knees and hips. The finished device allows patients to lean back on a padded bench and control the resistance through a pneumatic device.
Another group of students produced a stationary bike that’s easy for a larger person to get on. It incorporates a custom-made electronic resistance module that guarantees the smooth, precise resistance control that’s important to a patient with compromised joints.
Students get real-time feedback when real patients test their designs.
"Anyone can build something in their garage, but knowing what you want for an outcome by analyzing the problems, studying all of the potential outcomes, working with the customer, that’s engineering," says David Muecke, a senior mechanical engineering major from Des Moines, Iowa.
Making exercise accessible
At the end of the class, real patients test the equipment.
Dorothy Clark, who suffers from troublesome knees, says she’s tried for years to get the exercise her doctor suggests, but even walking can be a struggle. She volunteered to try the new machines.
"Oh, this is smooth," she said smiling as she tested a recumbent exercise bike. "I feel like I can keep going, and I don’t feel like I’m going to get hurt."
In a few moments, she was perspiring, but not willing to give up.
"I didn’t even realize I was working that hard," she said, laughing.
And that’s the kind of result these future engineers want to see.
Published on Dec. 11, 2007