Andrew’s parallel bars built to encourage physical therapy

A group of engineering students in the College of Engineering and Computer Science Introduction to Engineering Design Course began spring semester 2015 with an introduction to three-year-old Andrew, who was born missing parts of his four limbs.  Physical therapy is required for Andrew to improve his mobility with prosthetics, but it’s an unappealing way to pass the time for the active little boy.

Andrew’s need became an opportunity for the students, who decided to design and fabricate a fun set of parallel bars.

“We were excited to help and we took this project very seriously,” said Joel McDevitt.

The team of students presented a poster and the parallel bars at the 10^th Annual Assistive Design Showcase at the UTC Engineering, Math, and Computer Science Building.

Andrew’s Parallel Bars took a lot of planning and brainstorming, team members explained.

“We learned that even when you plan, there is nothing you can do to prepare for unexpected challenges,” explained Austin Stone.

“You have to get your hands dirty,” McDevitt agreed.

As they began to assemble the parallel bars, the students realized the bars were not the same width apart when they compared one end to the other.

“The whole time it was smooth sailing, but then we had to find a way for the table to slide along the bars,” said DeeDee-Taylah Russell.

The colorful table was designed to occupy Andrew as he engaged in physical therapy.

“We were limited with the precision machinery we used, but we worked until we were sure the activity tray floats on its bearings,” said Ameer Jibrin.

The students agreed that safety comes first, so they ensured there were no rough edges or ways for Andrew to hurt himself.  Bright colored pool “noodles” were cut to size and wrapped around metal parts.

“It’s a good design,” said Andrew’s father, Ezra.

Their good work also came in $20 under their $400 budget.