Distributed Collaborative Product Development Project
Phase 3: Aug 16 to Dec 10, 2004
GALE - Gator with Assistive Living Enhancements
Mission:
To modify a John Deere Gator Utility Vehicle such that it is accessible for use by individuals
with physical disabilities. There are three main modifications that have been made by Distributed
Collaborative Product Development undergraduate teams this semester. First, a propulsion/braking
mechanism has been designed that requires only the use of a driver’s arms and hands. Second, a
hoisting device has been developed to pick up a wheel chair from outside of the vehicle, and lift
it into the bed of the Gator. Finally, a movable seat is being designed that will lift outside the
body of the Gator and pivot such that an individual in a wheelchair can move themselves easily into
the driver seat and then be lifted back into the Gator. These three designs work hand in hand with
each other, and aim to make operation of a Gator available to individuals that were previously unable
to do so.
"The Sole Lever" product brochure
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Report
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Team website mirror
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"Stow And Go Wheelchair Lift" product brochure
Presentation
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Team website mirror
ALLI - Amphibious Gator
Mission:
To modify a John Deere Gator Utility Vehicle so that it can be used for amphibious applications.
Its name is derived simply from a play on words: “ALLI-Gator!” In addition to normal functionality
on land, an amphibious vehicle is one that has the ability to function similarly to a boat in a body
of water: it can float, move, and steer. Distributed Collaborative Product Development undergraduate
teams have performed in-depth analysis on Gators to determine how one will react in a body of water,
and are determining solutions for the three main areas of interest for an amphibious vehicle: floatation,
movement, and steering. The first area, floatation, is solved by simply forming a water-proof hull around
the Gator. It is also important for the teams to reduce the weight of the Gator to maximize the buoyant
force from water displacement available to the design. The next area of interest, movement, is solved with
use of Mudlite tires that have deep grooves in their tread. Spinning action of these wheels serves to propel
the Gator in a body of water. The final area of interest for an amphibious Gator, steering, can be solved by
the addition of a front-wheel drive system. This step is the most intricate addition to a Gator design, and
requires a great deal of research to find a reliable front-wheel drive system. These three areas of the design
are essential to a functional amphibious Gator, and will serve to keep ALLI’s head above water and moving
in the proper direction.
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