GALE - Gator with Assistive Living EnhancementsStatus: COMPLETEMission:To modify a John Deere Gator Utility Vehicle such that it is accessible for use by individualswith 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. |